Set of seven beaded necklaces, Africa Length: 35 to 100 cm (approximately) Various beads Brought together in a beautiful set, these seven necklaces illustrate the diversity of African bead-making traditions. They combine locally sourced materials with glass beads imported from Europe, which were widely distributed through trade networks beginning in the 16th century. Beyond their ornamental function, these necklaces played a role in economic and social exchanges, as beads served, in many regions of the continent, as a form of prestige currency used in marriage alliances, transactions, and ceremonial exchanges. Provenance: Parisian gallery.