Trade Bead w/ Red Amber Necklace (18-247)

This Trade Bead with Red Amber and Malachite beads measures approximately 18″ in length.

Historical, Wearable works of art.
Trade Beads: It is often called ‘Venetian Millefiore” originated in the 17th century, from ancient Roman and Egyptian times. They are composed of layers od cane glass all fused together at a high temperature on a basin core. They usually have a floral pattern- hence the name “millefiore” meaning thousand flowers. They were extensively for tradingon the west coast of Africa. They were bartered for ivory, gold and a single beads could sometimes buy a slave! At one time, trade beads were used as currency. The greatest repository of these beads is now in West Africa. Trade beads were sometimes called ‘gulimin’ beada- for the port of entry.

African Amber: A fossilized resin, Amber is among the oldest substance for adornments. In Africa, it was a symbol of family wealth and status. Amber has been surrounded in mystery for thousands of years and is believed to have magical and medicinal properties. It is said that Amber regulates body tempreatures and cures many ailments. Amber varies in color from yellowish to reddish black.