African Trade Beads

African Trade Beads was founded by a bush pilot, Tamiko Shur, who has been working with artisans and traders throughout Africa for over 20 years. The company partners with a jewelry school in South Africa to provide jobs for previously unemployed artisans, many of whom come from rural areas where they have learned traditional beading and jewelry techniques. Each piece is a little different, reflecting the individual artisan who made it.