original_query: What factors contributed to the development of distinct glass traditions in West African nations?
query: What factors contributed to the development of distinct glass traditions in West African nations?
answer: Distinct glass traditions in West African nations developed due to differences in cultural histories and environmental resources, differentiating them from Egyptian, North African, and other global traditions.  The import of glass beads from the Middle East, India, and later Europe, coupled with the adaptation and innovation of local beadmaking practices, further shaped these unique traditions.