Antique Turquoise Blue Padre Glass African Trade Beads 19" Strand

Description

History of African Trade Beads
From the 15th to the 20th century, traders carried European and Asian glass beads across the world. The beads were highly desired by Native Americans, as glass was then an unknown substance in North American. European glass beads became popular and sought after by Native Americans. Europeans realized early on that beads were important to Native Americans and corporations such as the Hudson Bay Trading Company who developed lucrative bead-trading markets with them. The Hudson Bay Trading Company was an organized group of explorers who operated during the 19th century. They ventured into the North American continent for trade expeditions.
Padre beads are glass beads whose origin is traced back to ancient China. In the late 18th century, these beads spread rapidly in use in Southwest and Northwest America, following the trading patterns of Russian and Spanish traders.  Padre beads were available in a variety of colors. Blue and white Padres were the most valuable historically but were only two of many styles and colors accepted for trade amongst the Native Americans.
They got the name Padre bead from the Spanish priests who wore them. "Padre" is the word for "father" in Spanish. Colonial Spanish priests traded these beads to the Native Americans.
Offered here is a wonderful old strand of African Trade beads in turquoise blues.  The beads range in size from 7 mm to 11mm.  Hole size varies between about 2 mm to 4 mm. The strand is 19" long not including the stringing, with about 71 beads.  The strand weighs 55.3 grams.  The beads are old, and most show age-appropriate patina. A few beads are chipped and other beads may show age-appropriate ticks and imperfections.  Weights and sizes are approximate.
Questions???  Please ask before purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings.
The coin is for display only, not included - not for sale.
IMPORTANT NOTE. In the world of beads, and especially ancient and antique beads, errors in identification are common. We do our best to research and classify our beads accurately, however mistakes are certainly possible. If you are a bead expert and notice any errors in description, we invite you to please contact us and let us know. We are always grateful for any new information. We also accept returns no questions asked. See our Return Policy for detail.