Trade Beads-Antique White Skunk

Trade Beads-Antique White Skunk

These Trade Beads-Antique White Skunk Beads are a must have for any bead enthusiast! These trade beads were originally made in Venice and brought to Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today skunk beads are a rare and special bead for the discerning crafter. These beads have white dots with red and blue centers.

History of Trade Beads

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 each lot, each measuring from approximately 3/8″ to 1/2″ long. Some beads have minor chips, this is a testament to their age.

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Read about the History of Native American Trade Beads