Glass Eye Trade Beads

Glass Venetian beads were valuable in Africa since the arrival of Europeans. Beads became a form of currency, since they were highly in demand in African communities due to their rarity and bright colors. The most popular beads came from Murano, and some people were even buried with their beads to bring with them to the afterlife. They were a very important way to express status due to the semi-nomadic lifestyles of the people that cherished them.

The “b” stamped on the small silver tag indicates this is a vintage Agnes B necklace.