Trade beads

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Trade Beads (sometimes called aggry and slave beads ) are decorative glass beads used between the 16th century and the 20th as token money to be exchanged for goods, services and slaves (hence the name). Trade beads were used to exploit African resources by early Europeans. This includes the African slave trade. The beads are integrated in native American jewelry using a variety of beadwork techniques. Aggry Beads is a special kind of decorative glass beads from Ghana.

Video Trade beads

History

Created to facilitate the journey of European explorers and then traders especially across the African continent, beads are made throughout Europe although Venetians dominate production. Trade beads are also found in the United States and Canada, and throughout Latin America. Bead design varies. North American Indians look for beads of certain colors, shapes and shapes. The frequency of archaeological discoveries of each type shows their popularity. Large blue beads were favored in early trade although details about when European trade with Native American Indians began to remain elusive.

Production of slave beads (trade) became so popular that literally tons of these beads were used for this purpose. Beads are used as ballast in a slave ship/trade for travel abroad. Beads and other merchandise are exchanged for human and ivory, gold and other desirable goods in Europe and around the world. The traded beads are not of the design set, but are produced on demand. Millefiori Beads (a thousand flowers) from Venice, Italy is one of the most traded beads, and is commonly known as "African trading beads." They are produced by making a flower or a line of glass stick, which is then cut and shaped into a solid color core. Beads such as Mauritania kiffa beads are thought to have come from women who created powder glass beads to mimic the appearance of millefiori beads.

The success of this form of currency is largely attributable to the high intrinsic value that Africans impose on decorative items. Glass making is not common in Africa. Africans often use beads for currency (often referred to as African money). and wealth storage, and social status can be easily determined by the quality, quantity and style of jewelry used. This creates a high demand for trading beads in Africa.

Maps Trade beads

See also

• The ancient glass trade
• History of glass in sub-Saharan Africa
• Money history
• List of historical currencies

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References

src: activeartist.net

External links

• "Trade Beads". History, Period & amp; Styles . Museum of Victoria and Albert . Retrieved 2008-06-11 .

Source of the article : Wikipedia