bead

Venetian-made beads played an important role in the exploration of Africa and other foreign lands during the age of colonization. Glass trade beads, as they came to be known, were easily portable and durable, in comparison with other trade materials. Beads were carried on some of the earliest voyages of exploration, to be offered to indigenous cultures that did not know glass beads. These goods lacked meaning for the Europeans, whereas many native cultures held values associated with objects of adornment and found great significance in beads. During the height of colonization in the 19th century, many firms specialized in selling glass trade beads, creating sample cards that would be sent to places such as Africa for purchase. The bead illustrated here, which is often referred to as a “king” bead, was exceptionally popular on the African continent. It was wound, and its decoration was applied and marvered (rolled on a hard surface). The form of such beads is usually short and biconical, but there are many variations in colors and in linear decorations. The name “king” probably refers to the belief that these beads were worn by African chiefs.