Marble Glass Trade Bead Germany MATTER COLLECTION

German marbles are small glass spheres that were originally made in Germany in the late 19th century. They were used as toys for children and also in games such as marbles. Today, they are highly collectible and sought after by collectors all over the world. They are also seen as "Trade Beads" and are highly sought after.

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.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.

153444