Antique early Trade Beads found in Rhodesia in 1954 Ref. DS NOV-8
A collection of very early Trade Beads found in the Dambalagwe sandstone hills, in the south-east of Rhodesia. They range in size from 5mm to around 13mm in diameter. These beads were found by the renowned geologist Bob Contat, in 1954, during an underground water project by the Rhodesian Government. Bob Contat went on to become famous in Rhodesia for his discovery of the Sandawana Emerald deposit.
I have done a fair amount of investigation with regards the beads but cannot link them to any country of origin, apart from the blue beads which may be Dutch 'Dogon' beads, produced in the 16th Century and the blue spotted beads which may be Venetian. The beads do not appear to be very similar to those found on the West coast of Africa. They could well be of Arab or Indian origin.
Arab and Indian traders were certainly visiting Zanzibar and Dar-es-Salaam before the beginning of the Christian era, and around 60 AD the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea was compiled (in Greek) as a guide to East African, Arab and Indian sailors. Most scholars doubt whether its coverage extended beyond Tanzania, but Peters (1902) argues that the "Fire Islands" mentioned there, could well have been the volcanic Comoro group, because they are placed at the entrance to the "Channel". The description in the Periplus continues further southwards, although names of rivers and harbours can no longer be identified with certainty.
Many of the early gold mining activities found in Rhodesia are attributed to the Arabs and possibly the Indians. Early iron workings are another common feature although these were worked by the indigenous population.
Many centuries ago, there was actually a mass migration from the East Indies to Madagascar – evidenced by the relationship between Malay and a main language of that island; thus, it seems likely that Asian explorers were already well acquainted with the southwest Indian Ocean when the Periplus was written.
All in all, a very interesting collection of genuine, very early trade beads.
This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE. There are many articles being offered as 'antiques' when, clearly, they are not.
Price R200.00
Post R35.00
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