The long history of trade between Africa and Europe is reflected
in a collection of glass beads held by the Victoria and Albert
(V&A) Museum. These beads were known as 'trade', 'aggry' or even
'slave' beads (the Museum's accessions register records that
many of its examples were 'made for use in the African slave
trade'). They formed an important element in early trade
networks between Europe and Africa as they were made in Europe -
particularly Venice, Bohemia and the Netherlands - and used in
trade in Africa. The beads were popular as glassmaking was
uncommon in Africa, making them unusual and precious. They were
particularly valued and sought after in West Africa, where they
were often used in the creation of high-status decorative art
objects, for example in the Asante (Ashanti) necklace from
Ghana, probably worn by a member of the court. The beads'
history dates to the 15th century when Portuguese trading ships
arrived on the coast of West Africa to exploit its many
resources, including gold, slaves, ivo