African Trade Glass Beads

French White Heart Beads - Also know as Incalmo Beads. Based in design from another type of bead, the cornaline d'Aleppo. The center (heart) of these beads are actually white glass, which then gives the translucent color above a wondrous glow. Used by Native Americans as well as for trade with Africa.

Gumbas - Named after a hunting-gathering peoples from the African highlands. Legend has it that they were very skilled at iron working and pottery (as well as making beads!) Little is known of their fate after the mid-nineteenth century.

Padre Beads - This type of bead was created in China from the 16th to the 18th century. They were used in trade with Spaniards who in turn, used them in trade with Africa. Some say that it was actually the Spanish missionaries who brought these beads, hence the name!