Trade Bead w/Multi Stone and Tuareg Cross Necklace (17-56) - Gallery 601

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This necklace has vintage trade beads and coordinating multi stone beads and an exquisite Tuareg Cross. It measures approximately 36" in length. Pendant 3"w x 5"h Historical, Wearable works of art. Trade Beads: It is often called 'Venetian Millefiore" originated in the 17th century, from ancient Roman and Egyptian times. They are composed of layers od cane glass all fused together at a high temperature on a basin core. They usually have a floral pattern- hence the name "millefiore" meaning thousand flowers. They were extensively for tradingon the west coast of Africa. They were bartered for ivory, gold and a single beads could sometimes buy a slave! At one time, trade beads were used as currency. The greatest repository of these beads is now in West Africa. Trade beads were sometimes called 'gulimin' beada- for the port of entry. Tuareg Crosses: Tuareg Crosses, now worn by women as pendants around their necks, were originally worn by men, passed down from father to son when the boy reached puberty. The father would pass it on by saying “My son, I give you the four corners of the world, because one cannot know where one will die”! Most of the crosses designs are named after Oasis towns between Agadez in Niger and the Hoggar Mountains to the North. The Agadez Cross, is the best known of the Tuareg Crosses, which is widely worn by women of the Agadez but is also worn by nomads as far west as Mali. Like other crosses, it is used as a form of currnecy to buy cattle, cloth or food in times of need. The crosses are believed to be powerful Talismans and protective symbols. Jackal track-marks on the back of the cross represents “power” and “cunning”, qualities a father passes on to his son to survive in the Desert of Life. An old saying in the Sahara desert: “If you were lost and pointed the cross towards the sun, its shadow would show you the direction of a watering hole.”

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