Baule Tamba Yellow Seed Bead Necklace 34 Inch

A "Tamba" refers to a collection of multi-stranded European glass seed beads, commonly known as "hanks." These beads 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.

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.

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