Beads in the Sand

When I was young my mum took me on holiday to The Gambia.  We went on a day trip to James Island. I remember collecting beautiful coloured stones buried in the sand - slave beads - I knew what they were and I felt a connection, but I didn't really understand their true significance. Where are they now?  I don't know. But this Christmas I'd planned to go home and sort through old boxes stored in the loft,...I hope I can find them.....

Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013