Venetian Collection on a String Trade Beads MATTER COLLECTION

Beautiful Venetian Bead collection on a string! Includes Feather, Chevron, Fancy Floral green, Skunk, and so much more!

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.

Strand Length: 22 Inches, including raffia
Bead Size:  7-10 mm diameter.  See picture with penny for size comparison.

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