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.

It's been a while since we had a new photo on the main page, so this month we present two views of a very rare trade bead—a 16th century Venetian millefiori bead with a transparent overlay. Note the cane units that resemble early chevron beads, as well as unique variations. From the collection of Gabrielle Liese.

Jamey D. Allen, Moderator