Baule Tamba Purple Seed Bead Necklace 38 Inch

A "Tamba" is a collection of multi-stranded European glass seed beads, commonly known as "hanks." The beads are made in Italy and the necklaces are then assembled in Africa, generally by the Baule people. They were traditionally worn around the waist by women in the Ivory Coast during the pre to early 1900s, and they hold significant value among collectors. Today they can be worn as necklaces, belts, or simply for collecting and admiring.

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.

Necklace Length: 38 inches
Strand Length: 95 feet of beads total (38 strands)
Bead Size: 2-3mm diameter beads. See picture with penny for size comparison.

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