Accession Number

1992.001.0167b

Creation Date

circa 1700

Description

Acid-free plastic bag containing 34 milk blue 3.0-4.0 mm. beads. See also 1992.001.0167a (42 milk blue 2.0-3.0 mm.) and 1992.001.0167d (95 blue/white 2.0-3.0 mm.)
Beads were a staple trade good of Europeans in Africa as well as in the Americas. These beads would be traded for slaves in Africa where they were highly desirable symbols of wealth and prestige.