Discover an extraordinary piece of history with this rare antique Venetian elbow millefiori mosaic glass trade bead. This unique bead, created in Venice in the early 1900s, displays the stunning artistry of Venetian glassmakers and carries a legacy from Africa's vibrant trade routes.
Bead Details:
Size: 44 x 11 mm
Condition: Very good with a minor chip at one end (see photos for details)
This antique glass bead showcases the intricate mosaic millefiori technique perfected by Venetian artisans, a method that involves fusing multicolored glass canes to produce striking patterns and designs. Each millefiori bead was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in unique beads highly valued in Africa and particularly significant in Ghana and West African cultures. These beads were not merely decorative but served as a valuable currency and a symbol of status in African trade networks.
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