~ Ultra Rare ~ Early Spanish ~ Twisted “Nueva Cádiz” ~ Trade Bead ~

Length: 1 3/4"

Material: Drawn glass (copper-based blue pigment)

Description: A rare early Spanish colonial trade bead, commonly referred to as Nueva Cádiz beads. This long tubular examples exhibit a brilliant turquoise-to-deep blue coloration, achieved by copper oxide additives in the glass. Manufactured by Venetian artisans for Spanish export, these beads were distributed widely in the Caribbean and Southeast during the early 1500s–1600s. Their presence in indigenous contexts serves as a diagnostic marker of early European contact. This one with the cane bead being twisted is more rare than the straight ones and required more skill during manufacture. Retail on these is $150 a piece. Offering these at a very fair price.

Provenance: Spanish colonial origin; specific find location will be provided to buyer. From the Late Richard Patterson Collection. Winston-Salem N.C.

Date Range: Circa 1500–1600 A.D.

Cultural Significance: Nueva Cádiz beads were among the earliest European trade goods in the Americas, carried by Spanish expeditions and exchanged with Native peoples for food, safe passage, and goods. Their elongated tubular form is less common than the small “seed” types, making them highly desirable to collectors and institutions.

Condition: Excellent — intact tubular twisted rods with strong color preservation, minimal surface wear, no major breakage.