Strand of Glass Beads

Early to late 19th century, Ghana, West Africa

Mesmerizing strand of antique glass trade beads featuring classic millefiori, chevron, mustard, opal, Russian, and melon beads produced in Bohemia and Murano. Beautifully re-strung and displaying a rich variety of forms and colors, this strand represents some of the most iconic bead types created for the African trade.

Trade beads served as a vital medium of exchange across West Africa and are among the earliest forms of long-distance barter. When Portuguese ships first reached the West African coast in the 15th century, glass beads quickly became a major trading currency, exchanged for gold, ivory, palm oil, and enslaved people. Vast quantities were exported—often even used as ballast on outbound voyages.

Venetian beads from Murano dominated this thriving trade, with up to seventeen factories producing hundreds of tons annually for African markets. Glassmakers in Bohemia and the Netherlands likewise expanded their output to meet growing demand. Their success stemmed from the high value African societies placed on adornment: glassmaking was not common locally, and beads became important markers of status, wealth, and identity.

Many bead types were created specifically for African tastes, with traders studying regional color preferences and stylistic traditions. Among the most celebrated designs were millefiori, chevron (rosetta), Lewis & Clark, vaseline, striped melon, and eye beads. Padre beads, imported from Germany and Czechoslovakia, became especially favored among the pastoralist tribes of East Africa.

By the late 19th century, trade beads had largely ceased to function as currency, but their cultural significance endured. In Ghana and across West Africa, the quality, quantity, and style of beads worn continue to express prestige, heritage, and social rank.

Good condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Beautiful old patina with minor chips and digs. Strand measures approximately 80.0 cm and includes 95 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)