Context (Amendments / updates)
Note from donor on catalogue card 1933.616 'From my enquiries it would appear that the use of the beads as currency has greatly declined, if it has not completely stopped, the beads being now an ordinary article of merchandise.'
Event Date 1933
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (Production / use)
Catalogue card 1933.620: 'These beads are used by natives as ornamental decoration and they are also used as decoration to small household articles such as tables, baskets, etc. These beads are sold by Nagadis for cash and sometimes are exchanged for country produce such as skins, coffee, etc. The demand for beads is decreasing every year and I cannot give any reason for this decrease. It is highly probable that Nagadis are purchasing this commodity from Asmara and adjoining countries as well at a cheaper price than at Adis Ababa.
'
Event Date 1933
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (Amendments / updates)
Catalogue card: 'Nos. 8 & 10 do not exist'

Event Date 1933
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card for 1933.619[.1-9]: 'Nine samples of beads mounted on a card. All made in Italy.
Approximate value in Adis Ababa:
1, 2, 7 = Abys. $9 per 1000.
3, 6 = Abys. $3 per 1000.
4, 5 = Abys. $5 per 1000.
9, 11 = Abys. $6 per 1000.
1000 packets of 1000 are imported each year for use in Sidamo, Khambala and Aroussa.'

Event Date 1933
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Nine samples of Italian glass beads, mounted on a trading card. [.1] spherical and red with white spots; [.2] spherical and black with white spots; [.3] spherical and white with blue and red spots; [.4] spherical yellow with red spots and green lines; [.5] spherical and white with pink crossing lines; [.6] two blue beads with white lines; [.7] cylindrical and red with white lines; [.8] cylindrical and black with pink lines; [.9] spherical and black with white spots.
Event Date 21/2/2022
Author: Emily Shorter