Rare Yellow Zen and Bumblebee Venetian Trade Beads

Zen trade beads are glass beads that served as currency in the African trade market from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Produced in Venice, Italy, these beads featured a black and white color scheme symbolizing yin and yang. Skilled craftsmanship was essential for their consistent size and shape. Strung on strands for easy transport, they were not only used as currency but also for adornment and decoration in African cultures, often worn as necklaces or used in religious ceremonies. Today, Zen trade beads are highly valued by collectors, influencing contemporary fashion and design with their simple yet elegant aesthetic.