Bida Blue Glass Trade Beads Nigeria Ericson Collection

Bida blue glass trade beads, originating from the city of Bida in present-day Nigeria and produced in the late 19th century, are a distinctive type of decorative glass bead with historical significance as currency and trade items in West Africa. Renowned for their vibrant blue color and unique shapes crafted through the wound glass technique, these beads were formed by heating a glass rod and wrapping it around a metal wire, then cooling and cutting it to size. Highly valued for their decorative appeal, they were utilized in traditional ceremonies and worn as jewelry by both men and women. Playing a pivotal role in the trans-Saharan trade network, connecting West Africa with North Africa and the Middle East, these beads were exchanged for commodities like salt, gold, and slaves, and used to pay tribute to local rulers. Presently, Bida blue glass trade beads continue to be produced in West Africa, featuring in both traditional and contemporary African jewelry designs and are sought after by collectors for their cultural and historical significance. Provenance: Ericson Collection Marian Ericson was a creative collector located in Dallas, Texas with a keen eye for beautiful art and jewelry. Her shop, "The Creative Urge," was located in the popular shopping area called the Quadrange, in a three-story Victorian-style home. During that time in the 70's, she met many fascinating roaming artists and individuals including a vibrant man named Basara Susu from Gambia. Bins, shelves, and boxes would flood the creative space with new, old, and unfamiliar items, cherished by all. Marian held on to her beloved collection until she passed away in March of 2000 at the age of 66. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owner of this extraordinary collection. This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the raffia holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them. Strand Length24 Inches. Bead Size3-5mm diameter. 148659