9 Floral Venetian Trade Beads Ericson Collection

Trade beads, often made of glass, were crucial in historical trade between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They were more than just decorative items; they served as currency, symbols of status, and carriers of cultural stories. Produced mainly in Europe, these beads gained immense popularity in Africa, where they were exchanged for valuable resources. Today, these beads are cherished by collectors and artists alike for their beauty, historical significance, and the stories they tell about global trade and cultural exchange.

Provenance: Ericson Collection

Marian Ericson was a creative collector located in Dallas, Texas with a keen eye for beautiful art and jewelry. Her shop, "The Creative Urge," was located in the popular shopping area called the Quadrange, in a three-story Victorian-style home. During that time in the 70's, she met many fascinating roaming artists and individuals including a vibrant man named Basara Susu from Gambia. Bins, shelves, and boxes would flood the creative space with new, old, and unfamiliar items, cherished by all. Marian held on to her beloved collection until she passed away in March of 2000 at the age of 66. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owner of this extraordinary collection.

This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the string holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.

150759