African Trade Beads: Worldly Power

Once traded in exchange for humans and worth than a royal blood, African trade beads have been a radical part of Africa’s history. This jewelry has unfailingly captivated people in both Africa and in the whole world.

African trade beads were used as currency for exchange of goods, services and slaves in 16^th and 17^th century. A great deal of these beads were produced for these uses. African trade beads were so valuable that they were exchanged for ivory, gold and even humans.

The Africans wore African trade beads to represent their religion, political status and artistry. African trade beads were also used as wealth storage and to show someone’s social status through the amount, quality, and design of beaded jewelry. Because of these uses, African trade beads became in-demand in Africa.

Originally, African trade beads were made in Venice, Bohemia and Holland but are now more commonly seen in Western Africa. The European producers made various designs that were traded in Africa, such as chevrons, millefiore, striped melons and eye beads. The millefiori is one of the most attractive African trade beads with its beautiful handmade flower design and it has become sought after by collectors, worldwide.

The making of beads originated in Egypt around 2200 BC in which Egyptians used beads as necklaces and as many other adornments. In the fifteenth century, the Kingdom of Benin which is now known as Nigeria developed stone beads.  Beads were so important to this kingdom that a noble is not allowed to visit Oba the Great unless he has his bead necklace on and if he loses this necklace he was to pay with his own life.

In Africa, the chief of a tribe encouraged his people to develop arts and crafts for two main reasons. One is to give beautiful offerings to the gods as an act of gratitude for his honored position. The second is to visually express his supremacy. Beaded necklaces and other objects differentiated the nobles from the ordinary people.

The vast and diversified source of natural resources in Africa has been a source of very beautiful and superb looking jewelry for ages. African trade bead necklaces have become beautiful and bold fashion statements. This jewelry is made to stand-out and attract, and it definitely works. One example of its relevance in fashion is the Seventeen magazine’s August 2010 cover wherein the famous, gorgeous, and stylish young singer Rihanna wore an eye-catching African trade bead necklace.

African trade beads jewelry continues to represent the unique and diverse culture of Africa. Nevertheless, its beauty and prestige has gone beyond cultural boundaries and continues to stand-out in world-wide fashion.