Antique Carnelian Agate Trade Pendant – Large 46×38×14 mm from Cambay

Beautiful Antique Carnelian & Agate Trade Pendant from Cambay, India

Discover a magnificent example of antique Carnelian trade beads – a large, old Cambay stone pendant/pendant with rich historical resonance.

• Size: 46 × 38 × 14 mm
• Perforation: approximately 1–1.5 mm diameter
• Material: Natural Carnelian/Agate stone
• Condition: Very good – minor wear and small age-related chips visible in photos

This impressive Antique Carnelian bead, also categorized as Antique Agate trade beads, exudes the warmth of deep reds and browns typical of authentic Cambay craftsmanship. Originally hand-drilled in Cambay, India, these old Carnelian beads served as powerful trade currency across Africa in the 1800s and possibly even earlier. Their generous size and pendant-ready form make them perfect as a statement piece or collector’s treasure.

Handcraft & Historical Significance of Cambay Beads

Cambay (now Khambhat) in western India was historically renowned for producing durable, translucent Carnelian and Agate trade beads. Artisans painstakingly hand-drilled each bead using simple tools and skillful techniques, creating small, weathered holes through the stone, evident in this pendant’s ~1 mm bore.

These Antique Agate beads and Antique Carnelian trade beads were integral to West African trade networks, particularly in Ghana and surrounding regions, where they were exchanged for goods, status, and cultural connections. Today, they remain treasured relics of commerce, craftsmanship, and intercultural exchange.

Ideal for collectors or as a singular décor or jewelry statement, this large Carnelian trade bead offers a tangible link to centuries-old artisan traditions and global trade history.

Explore more from TribalGH:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads Collection
• Archived Trade Beads Collection
• Watch how Krobos produce their beads,