Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Elbow Trade Bead 29x9mm - African Trade

Discover the beauty of this antique Venetian millefiori elbow trade bead-a captivating piece of African trade history, crafted in Venice, Italy, in the early 1900s. This bead showcases the remarkable mosaic design and artistry that has made Venetian glass beads so desirable and iconic in both European and African cultures. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns are a testament to the detailed millefiori (or "thousand flowers") technique, perfected by Venetian artisans to create unique, high-quality trade beads.

• Size: 29 x 9 mm
• Condition: Very good; lightly chipped at the ends (see photos)

Each Venetian millefiori bead was crafted by layering colored glass rods, which were sliced into flower-like sections and applied to form a complex, mosaic pattern. These beads became highly valued in the African trade, serving as currency and treasured adornments, especially in Ghana and other parts of Africa, where they hold significant cultural and historical importance.

Explore more from TribalGH's curated collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive