These beads come out of History. They were purchased back while we owned a Bead and Craft store in a resort town in Montana in 2013/14, and put it in storage till now. From a 94 year old man had come into the store and asked if we would consider buying his wife's bead collection as she was now in hospice in Arizona with Parkinson's. Her beads still being here in Montana were of no use to them anymore. He needed to unload the collection, amongst other things, and get back to her side.  He was a great old gentleman with a worldly outlook and as much wisdom as intent behind his eyes. His wife he said, was an avid bead enthusiast and collected beads of all sorts in her exciting World travels, nearly 70 years ago now. 


To my surprise, it turned out to be a full room of treasure boxes from all over the world. Not just beads ... functioning art and Cultural pieces. Her Tibet and China and Japan collections were several boxes ... and as many from Africa. These are among the most interesting from that Continent. 


African Trade Beads were actual currency, and the technology of the day that created them was strictly guarded. Travelers of all modes have worn them across the the ages (1600s forward), and across the the Continents. If they could only tell their stories. 


From what I have seen so far, this collection put together back in late 40s, 50s has the mark of a buyer who knew what she should buy in her travels. 


THIS SALE is for 

Strand 1 - 28 pieces of Antique Ghana sand cast beads possibly from the Krobo people.

Strand 2 -   4 unique Venetian Trade beads around the 1880s known as Tic Tac Toe Beads for the distinctive markings.

                   5 Beads that look like images of Chevrons with red white and blue stripes on a black cylinder bead, so cool.

                   4 Beads of what appears to be yellow ghana beads

                   1 Bead that looks like 2 pyramids stuck together at the base.

                   1 Cobalt blue bohemian round 8mm



This trade covered a large time period, as early as the 15th century, but mostly during 17th and 18th centuries and even into the 19th. They were even used as currency in the slave trade and resource trades.

 

I am not an expert on these but I have done some research and am 99% sure they are original and not reproductions. Also given where I acquired them is a strong indication of their authenticity. If I am wrong I will of course take it back.


I have cases of stuff to research still and hope you can take a look at us from time to time.


PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH THE POSSIBLE DELAYS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW WITH ALL SHIPPERS.

Please note FREE SHIPPING costs include my Time, Packaging supplies, Postage fees, and Insurance. I sincerely appreciate your patronage ....  Please appreciate our diligent work as well as our excellent product with your Feedback ...THANKS for your business.


All items sold by us are described to the best of our knowledge, accurately as we can determine, and with principled care on our part. Having said that, to preclude potential confusion, I respectfully request your assistance in helping us to make this a memorable, and satisfactory transaction by thoroughly reviewing  descriptions, photos, and asking all questions PRIOR TO BIDDING.