Necklace of Venetian Chevrons, King beads and Balinese silver

This necklace uses 17th century Venetian glass Chevrons beads, often referred to as trade beads. These beads were used to trade gold, minerals, ivory and even slaves with tribal chiefs of West Africa from the 16th – 18th centuries when glass was unknown in Africa. They were highly prized by chiefs who used them as adornment to demonstrate their power and wealth. The beads effectively became currency and were the basis of Venice's great power and wealth from the 16th century. The Chevrons are combined with glass striped Krobo, Bodom or King beads, which were traded specifically for gold and are still worn in the ceremonial dress of Ghanaian chiefs. The necklace also contains antique brown Venetian glass sourced in Ghana and handmade, intricately granulated silver from Bali which also has a centuries-old history of silver bead-making. This is an heirloom piece.
Length: approx 56 cm / 22 inches, longest point 70 cm / 28 inches