Strand of Rare Russian Glass Trade Beads, ca. 1800

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1800 CE. A long strand of 28 beautiful cobalt blue glass trade beads, most of which are hand faceted and tubular in shape. Beads like these were originally traded by the Russians to the indigenous peoples of Alaska in exchange for coveted objects like sea otter pelts. These beads were a desirable form of currency, similar to wampum used in the far north. Size: strand measures 24.25" L (61.6 cm); longest beads measure ~ 1.125" L (2.9 cm)

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection

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#144733
Condition Report: Expected age wear with minor scuffs/nicks. All but 3 are faceted (of these smooth surfaced beads, one is round and the other 2 are cylindrical). Strung on raffia to be wearable as a necklace.