Dutch Donut Translucent Trade Beads Pearson 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.

From the Collection of Dr. Robert Pearson, Denver, Colorado

Dr. Bob Pearson began collecting African art later in his life. He was an engineer, inveterate climber, and long-time collector of books and paintings. Spurred by the Douglas Society at the Denver Museum of Art, and his friendship with noted collector George Heggarty, he began building an enormous, eclectic collection. His African art library grew to several hundred books. He loved textiles and “material culture”-things which had domestic use, like spoons, cups, stools, and chairs, as well as masks and carvings. His collection included items from more than thirty African countries, and his fine eye gave him pieces ranging from a golddust scale to huge Dogon figural ladders. Africa Direct is honored to have been chosen to sell them

Picture is an example, yours will be similar.

This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the raffia holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.