Pig in a Poke Waist Trade Beads Smith Collection

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: The Smith Collection

A passionate collector, Dave Smith was first introduced to the trade bead industry in the 1970's. It was during this decade that he fell in love with trade beads for the next twenty years. Trade beads became a priority in his life, and he attended many rendezvouss, both buying and selling. At his core, Dave was a healer and he was an esteemed bodyworker, using alternative approaches to healing the body. Dave's bead collection has been in storage for more than 20 years...the condition of the beads is superb. Africa Direct is honored to be able to share its collection with the world. 

Photo is an example. Yours will be similar. You are purchasing one.

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.