Trade Beads Antique Eye Beads

Trade Beads Antique Eye Beads This lot of Antique Eye Bead Trade Beads come with one round and five flat edge beads plus an additional 4 glass beads. These trade beads were originally made in Venice and brought to Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Eye Beads also known as Skunk beads are a rare and special bead for the discerning crafter.
From the 15th to the 20th century, traders carried European glass beads across the world. Native Americans highly desired glass beads as glass was then an unknown substance in North American. European glass beads, mostly from Venice, some from Holland and, later, from Poland and Czechoslovakia, became popular and sought after by Native Americans. Europeans realized early on that beads were important to Native Americans. Corporations such as the Hudson Bay Trading Company developed lucrative bead-trading markets with them. The Hudson Bay Trading Company was an organized group of explorers who ventured into the North American continent for trade expeditions during the 19th century.
There are 10 beads in the lot, measuring from approximately 12mm to 22mm long. Some beads have minor chips, this is a testament to their age.
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Categories: BeadsTrade Beads

SKU: 2222-003-008