Trade Bead with Silver Bar Bracelet

Trade Beads: Often called ‘Venetian Millefiore’ originated in the 17th century. They are composed of layers of cane glass all fused together at a high temperature on basin core. They usually have a floral pattern- hence the name ‘millefiori’ meaning a thousands flowers. They were used extensively for trading on the west coast of Africa. They were bartered for ivory, gold and yes even a single bead sometimes could buy a slave. At one time, trade beads were used as currency. These are the same type of beads that were part of the traded goods, which the Dutch bought the island of Manhattan with.