African Trade Beads

The first series of pieces I made with African trade beads I called my red macaroni series! Their shape and soft feel reminded me of elbow macaroni cooked al dente!

Since my "red macaroni strand" purchase I have been lucky to get to know Lavina Taackbarry and her collection of old African trade beads. She is well-known in the African trade bead world. She had a group of African traders coming to her door long before these beads became popular. She taught me a lot about these magnificant beads. I bought some of my most-loved beads from her.

I am especially drawn to the old Venetian elbow beads, named for the shape of a bent elbow. I love their shape, the complex patterning on each individual bead, and the soft feel in my hand and against my body when I wear them.

In February, 2007, I found a gorgeous strand of old Venetian African trade beads. I am using them in a new series.