Tribalgh
Rare Antique Banded Multimurrine Millefiori Mosaic African Trade Beads
Rare Antique Banded Multimurrine Millefiori Mosaic African Trade Beads
Discover these five beautiful and rare antique banded multimurrine Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, treasured for their stunning craftsmanship and vibrant colors. Made in Venice in the early 1900s, these millefiori beads were traded extensively across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they played a significant role in local culture and commerce.
- Bead Length: 11-12 mm
- Bead Diameter: 7 mm
- Condition: Very good (lightly beveled and lightly chipped at the ends, see photos for detail)
Each bead features a complex multimurrine design, created using multiple layers of molten glass fused together in intricate patterns. These beads were highly sought after in African trade, symbolizing wealth and status, particularly in West African regions such as Ghana. The technique of crafting Venetian millefiori beads involved layering colored glass rods, slicing them into cross-sections, and arranging them into floral-like mosaic patterns—an art form mastered by Venetian glassmakers.
Trade beads like these were not only decorative but also carried immense cultural significance in Africa. They were exchanged for goods and services, making them an essential part of economic and social exchanges.
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