Rare Antique Banded Millefiori Mosaic African Trade Beads, 12x11mm

Bring history and artistry into your collection with these four beautiful and rare OLD matching banded millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade beads. Made in Venice in the early 1900s, these exceptional beads were crafted for the African trade, reflecting a legacy of cultural exchange and intricate craftsmanship.

Bead Size:

• 12 mm x 11 mm

Condition:

• Very good condition
• Lightly beveled with very minor chips at the ends (as shown in photos)

These antique millefiori beads were created using a meticulous glassmaking technique developed in Venice. "Millefiori," meaning "a thousand flowers," involves layering and fusing colored glass canes to create stunning floral or geometric patterns. Each bead showcases the skill and artistry of Venetian glassmakers, known worldwide for their superior craftsmanship.

Highly sought after in the African trade, millefiori beads became symbols of wealth, status, and connection across cultures, particularly in regions like Ghana and West Africa. Today, these beads remain a testament to the vibrant exchange of art, culture, and history.

Explore more of TribalGH's collection:

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