18th Century Large White Dutch East India Company Wound Dogon "Egg" Trade Beads / Necklace from Mali

18th Century Large White Dutch East India Company Wound Dogon "Egg" Trade Beads / Necklace from MaliSome of the earliest hand wound glass beads that entered the African Trade were created in Holland. These large, solid colored beads were often called "Dogon Eggs", as they were extensively traded among the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa in the 18th and 19th century Spice Trade. The beads were carried into Mali via early Dutch Traders and were sometimes also referred to as Dutch East India Company Trade Beads. Holland's bead industry was rather

• Some of the earliest hand wound glass beads that entered the African Trade were created in Holland. These large, solid colored beads were often called "Dogon Eggs", as they were extensively traded among the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa in the 18th and 19th century Spice Trade. The beads were carried into Mali via early Dutch Traders and were sometimes also referred to as Dutch East India Company Trade Beads.
• Holland's bead industry was rather short lived, but was extremely active in it's heyday. By 1550, it was reported that there was an active community of Venetian glass makers from Murano setting up shop in Amsterdam. Our fine example in the photograph was likely created somewhere between the 1700's to mid 1800's.
• The Dogon "Egg" refers to their Creation Myth of the "Egg that Contains the Universe" and the beginnings of male and female life.
• These treasured antique Heirloom Beads were often used by Dogon people as Dowry Currency, or Bride Wealth. They were passed down through generations of Dogon women for over 200 years.
• Length : Approx. 31"
• Bead Size Approx. : 9 x  3mm to  23 x 21mm
• This superb strand with matte white to slightly opalescent hand wound 18th to 19th century Dutch beads remains in the original configuration as it was purchased in Mali, West Africa years ago.