TRADE BEAD TALK is a Group for people who want to discuss TRADE BEADS—the beads that were used ca. 500 years ago into recent times, for the exchange of goods—primarily between Europeans and folks from other cultural areas. The main types are made from glass, but we will consider other materials as well. Probably the most familiar trade beads are those that were made at Venice, and traded to West Africa, North and South America—and around the world, in fact. Trade beads were also made in Holland, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), Germany, and even countries such as China and Japan. This Group compliments the Yahoo Group, Bead Collectors Corner—to focus on a more specific area of ornamentation. Join us, and share information and opinions.

A quick glance at our main-page photo may suggest that these are classic Venetian chevron beads. However, these are recent beads, made in Central Java, and made to imitate traditional trade beads. We have come to expect copies of traditional beads from China..., but there are other significant industries operating today as well.

Jamey D. Allen, Moderator