Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass African Trade Beads
These five exquisite matching Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads are a testament to the artistry of early 20th-century bead-making. Carefully crafted in Venice, these beads were highly valued in the African trade, embodying both beauty and history.
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Size: Approximately 12 mm in length and 7-8 mm in diameter.
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Condition: Very good condition, with lightly beveled edges as shown in the photos.
Millefiori beads, meaning "thousand flowers" in Italian, were crafted using a meticulous process where glass canes with intricate patterns were sliced into cross-sections and fused onto a base bead. These ornate pieces became valuable trade items in African markets, particularly in Ghana, where they played a significant role in cultural and ceremonial exchanges.
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