Strand of Glass Beads

Early–late 19th century, Ghana, West Africa

A superb and visually captivating strand composed of delicate 19th-century green striped melon beads and gooseberry beads, interspersed with fine blue-and-white chevron beads from Murano, Venice. The beads are re-strung on modern twine. This beautifully coordinated assemblage represents some of the most iconic and desirable bead types circulating in the West African trade networks of the 19th century.

Trade beads served as an important medium of exchange within and between African communities and are regarded as one of the earliest forms of intercultural commerce. Some scholars have even suggested that the practice of bead trading contributed to the development of human language by encouraging increasingly complex social interaction.

The history of African trade beads in global exchange expanded significantly from the 15th century onward, following the arrival of Portuguese trading vessels on the West African coast. European traders exchanged glass beads and other goods for gold, ivory, palm oil, and enslaved people. During this period, glass beads became a primary component of the currency used in these transactions, to such an extent that many tons of beads were produced expressly for African markets—and even used as ballast on outbound ships.

Among all beads circulating in Africa, Venetian beads made on the island of Murano dominated the trade. At the height of production, as many as seventeen Murano factories exported hundreds of tons of glass beads annually. Their success was reinforced by established glassmaking centers in Venice, Bohemia, and the Netherlands, which expanded output to meet the immense African demand.

The effectiveness of bead currency is closely tied to the high cultural value placed on adornment in many African societies. Glassmaking was rare in Africa, and beads became prized symbols of wealth, status, and social identity. Many bead types were produced specifically for African consumers; European researchers even travelled to West and East Africa to understand local aesthetic preferences, color symbolism, and stylistic traditions.

Among the hundreds of designs manufactured, certain categories became especially sought after: millefiori, chevron (rosetta), Lewis & Clark, vaseline, striped melon, and eye beads. Padre beads, produced in Germany and Czechoslovakia, were particularly favored by pastoralist groups in East Africa for their distinctive collars.

Trade beads continued to function as currency until the late 19th century, after which their role shifted primarily toward adornment, identity, and prestige. In Ghana and across West Africa, the quantity, quality, and style of beads worn remain powerful indicators of social standing, heritage, and personal wealth.

Good condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Beautiful old patina with minor chips and digs. Strand measures approximately 67.0 cm and includes 91 unique glass beads.

Provenance: Dutch private collection

References and further reading:

A Brief History of Glass Beads in Africa, African Odyssey (https://www.africanodyssey.co.uk/blog/a-brief-history-of-glass-beads-in-africa)

The BeadSite. (http://www.thebeadsite.com/welcome.html)

Collectible Beads: A Universal Aesthetic, Robert K. Liu, Ornament, Inc., 1995.

African Odyssey, A Brief History of Glass Beads in Africa.(https://www.africanodyssey.co.uk/blog/a-brief-history-of-glass-beads-in-africa)