Bohemian Late 19th Century Glass "Conus Shell" Beads / Necklace Trade Currency

Bohemian Late 19th Century Glass "Conus Shell" African Trade Currency By the end of the 19th Century, British Colonial Government recognized the high value placed upon the Conus Shell Currency in Traditional African Cultures, and commissioned factories in Bohemia to make the colorful glass replicas. Over time, these colorful and inventive "imitations" became as highly valued and prized as the original Conus Shells themselves. Although they circulated in Africa over decades, they are now extremely rare, especially examples in excellent condition as the ones we have listed here. Bead size approx. 30mm x 50mm Strand length approx. 28" Natural shell disc sections obtained from the genus of Conus Virgo or Conus Turbo were highly valued and used as trade currency throughout Africa and Asia for centuries. Shell currency and beads were considered highly prized possessions and became Heirloom Beads passed down through generations. Heirloom beads of imported glass and shell became potent symbo