I sometimes have the feeling that Africans who come to the US generally bring stuff that they think will be recognized, for which there is a market. But that also means they may not be bringing beads that don't have a "track record," or that are just unknown.

I have no idea what may be happening with the Niger River digs. One hopes they are not "exhausted" by now. Some real archaeology is deserved, and would be beneficial. But all that is outside of my purview—though I am positive about good professional recovery and preservation for posterity.

JDA.