Many of the Old African Trade Beads as we know them today were actually made in Europe and India from the late 1400's to the early 1900's. These beads found their way into North and West Africa through trade during this time as Europeans used them as currency for gold, ivory and other goods. Some of these beads in turn became family heirlooms, handed down from one generation to the next. Yes, some of the trade beads on the market have been around for 100+ years! Now that's wearable history!