Bead necklace, $190

African Trade Beads are glass beads that were traded into Africa from Venice and Bohemia (circa 1880-1910) in exchange for gold and other commodities. The beads were then used as currency across the north of Africa. Many made their way into Ethiopia, and these antique beads are available from www.ethiopia.com.au, a shop in Fitzroy that doubles as the offices of the Ethiopian consulate.