Wristband by Authentic Spirit

Cobalt beads, striped red feathers, a golden centerpiece, and a little silver medallion for good measure.

This wristband is strung with blue Dutch glass and comes from Authentic Spirit. European glass beads were traded in enormous numbers into Africa from the 17th century onward, and Dutch blue beads became one of the best known types. Here chunky translucent cobalt rounds make up most of the strand. Red, white and blue feather-patterned beads sit near the top, flanking a gilded oval bead between two round brass spacers. Below, black beads with yellow and red trails frame a dangling silver disc stamped with a stylized face.

Several centuries of trade, worn on one wrist.