Prosser Blue Trade Beads

The Prosser Molded Beads, a variation of Trade beads, originated from the inventive work of Richard and Thomas Prosser, who developed a clay molding machine in England in 1840. This machine, initially designed for creating buttons, applied pressure to clay in a die, resulting in a porcelain-like material with a distinctive seam along the equator of one edge. Jean-Felix Bapterosses produced the first Prosser Beads in France between 1860-1864, after which the Prosser technique spread to countries like Bohemia, Czech, Germany, and Italy. These beads, recognized for their uniform patterns, were extensively traded to regions such as South America, the Middle East, and Africa. However, their production declined in the mid-20th century due to factors like the popularity of cheaper Czech beads and changes in bead-making materials. Notably, the Kakamba Bead, a multicolored trade bead from West Africa, is a well-known type of Prosser Bead. While the production dwindled, there has been a revival of Prosser Beads in modern-day Morocco. This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the string holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them. Strand Length: 26 inches (including string/raffia) Bead Size: 5-8mm diameter. See the penny photo for comparison. 151422