Dogon Blue Trade Beads 3iInch

Dogon Blue Trade Beads, associated with the Dogon people of Mali, featuring a variety of blue glass beads with subtle variations in color, shape, and surface decoration. Some of the beads are marvered, a technique in which heated glass is rolled or pressed against a smooth surface to create distinctive patterns, textures, or flattened details. The combination of blue glass and varied surface characteristics gives these beads an appealing, handmade appearance and makes each bead slightly unique.

"Trade Beads" refer to beads primarily produced in Venice, Bohemia, and other European countries from the late 1400s to the early 1900s for trade in Africa and the Americas. The trade reached its peak from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s, with Venetian manufacturers becoming particularly dominant in bead production. J.F. Sick and Co. and Moses Lewin Levin were among the notable bead brokers and importers involved in the international trade.

Trade beads experienced renewed popularity in the late 1960s as beads were exported from Africa to the United States and Europe. During the Hippie era, they were also commonly referred to as "Love Beads." As interest in these beads grew, distinctive styles developed collector names such as "Russian Blues" and "Dutch Donuts." Today, African trade beads remain highly sought after by collectors, designers, and artists, with certain varieties becoming increasingly scarce and collectible.

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.

Strand Length: 36 inches (includes string/raffia)
Bead Size: 9-14 mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison.

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