Kuba Spear Congo JK Brown Collection

Metal, in whatever form, has value and, particularly among traditional societies, iron had value, in that it could be converted into other forms such as a hoe, a spear point, or machete. These metal tools and weapons carried not only symbolic meaning during bride negotiations but held practical value as well.

Provenance: JK Brown Collection

Kathie and Jerry Brown have been collecting trade beads for more than 50 years. They had a business selling them for many years, called “Thunder and Lightning.” According to Jerry, “Kathie was the lightning, and I was the thunder!” Their collecting began in 1967 when they met a Peace Corps volunteer who was selling his collection to finance a school for African children- and the Browns bought it all. Over the years, they’ve amassed thousands of stands of Venetian and other European trade beads, as well as made-in-Africa beads and jewelry. They sold at Mountain Man rendezvous and other events. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owner of this extraordinary collection.

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