Product Description: This vintage necklace from the Fulani tribe, residing primarily in West Africa, features a captivating blend of old coins and bells. The necklace showcases white and yellow Venetian beads that have aged beautifully, along with numerous old bells that create a lively sound. The centerpiece is an old British West Africa Penny coin, adding to its unique charm. This accessory embodies the allure of beads that have journeyed across the globe, offering a deeply nostalgic and historical aesthetic.

Specifications:

• Country of Origin: Sourced from Ghana
• Materials: Glass beads, old coin (British West Africa Penny), brass, copper, thread
• Size:
  • Length: 69cm (excluding top decoration)
  • Top decoration length: 10cm
  • Coin diameter: 2cm
  • Bead width: 5mm
• Features:
  • Three strands
  • Thread construction
  • Brass bells (produces considerable sound)
• Special Notes: Considerable verdigris on metal parts

Care Instructions:

This is a handmade item, so slight variations and irregularities are to be expected. Actual measurements may vary slightly. As a vintage piece that was actively used, it may exhibit significant dirt, scratches, chips, and rust on metal parts. Please enjoy these characteristics as part of its unique charm. Images are for illustrative purposes only; actual colors and patterns may vary.

About Other Trade Beads:

Trade beads were highly prized by kings and nobles during the African slave trade era. Mass-produced in Venice and Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), these beads were traded for slaves, gold, ivory, and other goods across the world, including Africa. The methods of manufacturing these glass beads were kept secret, with artisans even restricted in their movements to maintain confidentiality. Unlike European designs, these beads were intricately tailored to suit the preferences of various tribes, resulting in a wide variety of designs, from large and small beads to patterned and plain ones, each radiating vibrant craftsmanship.