Murano Trade Beads

An illustrated talk by Jean Moncrieff.

17th April 2025 at 19:15 at Fountainhall Church Centre (formerly Rubislaw Church Centre), 1 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen AB15 4AB

For centuries, Venice was a major exporter of beads used as barter in Africa and distant eastern markets that had no currency. These colourful beads, known as lamp beads, were made by women (conterie) in their own homes using tallow lamps. They were exchanged for goods such as gold, ivory, tobacco and, sadly, in the slave trade.