I'd like to introduce myself to the group. I have been reading your postings for about a year now and I am so humbled by the expertise available here. It is obvious that you are all very serious about bead collecting and bead history.

My interest in African trade beads began about two years' ago when I first visited a bead shop in (former East) Berlin, called Perlin. The owner, Birgit Laun, is not very web friendly, but a customer had posted a note about her shop at a website called http://www.guidetobeadwork.com/localstores/europe/DE.str.html. Birgit was very patient with me, taking the time to discuss the history and significance of each bead and strand she had in the shop. She has a vast, vast collection in her attic and back-room. Her store is decorated with wonderful books on African and ancient beads and before I left, I was hooked.

Then I got to know Eliza and Carl (aka Dr. D. or Professor Carl) at African Trade Beads. What wonderful people they are, and they too have contributed to my bead education.

I look forward to making many new friends through bead collecting, and to continued enjoyment at reading the Forum.

Nancy J Stark
njstark@perlen.us