Convolute primitive money: 7 strands with colored glass beads, GABUN/KAMERUN. Among others Venetian millefiori beads. Until the 20th century, glass beads were still used in Africa as a substitute for money to buy goods. The highly decorative glass beads also called trade or slave beds, advanced to a status symbol in many African countries and were produced for over 500 years on the island of Murano in Venice especially for this purpose. Partly damaged.