Antique Green Banded Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads

Discover the beauty and historic allure of these five antique Venetian green-banded millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. Created in Venice in the early 1900s, these exquisite beads were crafted for African trade and showcase the incredible artistry of Venetian bead makers. Each bead is adorned with intricate green banding, symbolizing centuries of craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

• Bead Length: 15 mm
• Bead Diameter: 8-9 mm

• Condition: Very good (lightly beveled edges, see photos)

Millefiori beads like these are crafted through an ancient mosaic technique perfected in Venice. This involves layering glass rods of different colors, which are then sliced to reveal intricate patterns, giving each bead a distinct, almost flower-like design. These beads held significant value in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and other West African regions, where they were cherished as symbols of wealth, status, and beauty.

Explore more of TribalGH’s historic collections:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive