Necklace, 3-strand brass / brown glass with king bead drops

This necklace is made using 18th Century Krobo, Bodom, or King beads from Ghana which were believed to have medicinal or magical powers. They were introduced to West Africa with the arrival of European traders at a time when glass was unknown in Africa, and their intricate patterns and bright colours became highly prized by chiefs for ornamentation. King beads were used specifically to barter for gold are are still used in the ceremonial dress of modern-day Ghanaian chiefs. The necklace also comprises handmade brass beads from the Baoule of the Ivory Coast, still made using the centuries-old lost wax casting technique, and other antique Venetian brown glass beads. This is an heirloom piece.
Length: approx 50 cm / 20 inches, lowest point approx 80 cm / 30 inches