Bovine Trade Beads Kenya

Bovine beads are a type of trade beads that were historically used as a form of currency and traded across the African continent. These beads were made from the horns, bones, and hooves of various domesticated animals, such as cows and goats. The production of bovine beads was a labor-intensive process that required skilled artisans to carve and shape the raw materials into small, uniform beads. The finished beads were polished and often decorated with intricate designs and patterns. Bone beads were highly valued in many African societies and were used as a means of exchange in trade transactions. They were also used as a form of adornment, with individuals wearing strings of beads around their necks, wrists, and ankles as a sign of wealth and status.

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.

The picture is an example. Yours will be similar.

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

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