of white porcelain "Goomba" trade beads (see eBay 371504147357) and wound glass beads (likely Venetian).

Not expensive.

PS I don't know what "goomba" means!

I bought two strands of this type from Rings 'n Things about 10 years ago. I think it said they were from East Africa. Not expensive. That's about all I know. I think they are cool!

The pickings are slim there, though I did find some white and clear Prosser beads. I think they're cool, too!

Hi Luann,
Same beads washed up with a piece of a hull, brass bars and some brass kettles in 2012 on the beach of the island Terschelling in the Netherlands. Probably a 17-18th century ship wrecked on its way to Africa / America. These beads also show up on the beaches of Senegal where they are called Goombah, Galet Blanc or Shipwreck beads. The beads are also known as porcelain beads but they are really made of glass. There are stories from Senegal that the beads were thrown into the sea by the widows of fishermen who drowned doing their job.
Would love to know where and in what period the beads were fabricated. You can find them in all parts of Africa at very reasonable prices.

I'm working on a series of neutral colors, and they are lookin' gooooooood.

I gotta find more!

Now I have to make more artifacts. Or....tomorrow I'll make some with my faux soapstone animals.
I haven't worked with neutral colors in a couple years. I find I'm loving the look, though. Just ordered more goombas.

old Krobo stuff.

These are some of the first trade beads I bought. I love their stripes and their worn look. These are smaller ones, which I've found hard to find.

in Muslim areas of West Africa. Gambians might be able to tell us. They've always ben a bit mysterious as to their origin and age, but plentiful and cheap in the old days. There are many subtle variations, suggesting a long history of production. From the period(s) of the "green hearts" (the "galet rouge"). Plenty in Ghana too. Popular waist beads, even in "Dipo".

plenty found in the Sacramento Valley area in CA, along with the "green hearts" (dark trans. green core with brick red/brown on the outside).

I have a large number of beads like these (in several different sizes) that came from or around former Native American village sites.
The beads I have were sourced from Northern California up through the Great Basin areas of Central Oregon.

I was able to find a nice selection to purchase online.
I was getting nowhere with "white trade beads", but "goomba" helped a lot! SO GLAD to have this forum!!!

with the wound pseudo-padres (unless you want to).

http://www.ezakwantu.com/Gallery%20Trade%20Beads%20Slave%20Beads%20African%20Currency.htm