Antique Millefiori African Trade Bead Necklace w/ Brass Piece & Amber Bead

Description

This beautiful necklace of assorted Millefiori African trade beads is aprox 18" long. There are brass beads between
the multi
size millefiori beads as well as an amber beads attached to a brass ring with cone shape object all, on a black
leather rope. The beads range in size from .25" to 1" and are so many different colors.
There are some signs of wear normal for these types of beads of this age ie. small chips
but they add to their wonderful story.
From an African trade bead site on the internet
"African trade beads originated from Europe and were in the past used for trading purposes in Africa in the period between the 17
th
century and the early 20
th
century. Before the abolition of slavery, these beads were historically used by chiefs as currency in exchange for slaves, as well as gold and ivory. African trade beads were also popular amongst the African men and women of social standing as they were also a symbol of wealth.
One of the most common materials used to make African trade beads in the past was Venetian glass. Other materials included wood, metal and coral. "