Tribalgh
Antique Banded Oval Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads – Rare African Treasures
Antique Banded Oval Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads – Rare African Treasures
These beautiful antique Venetian banded oval millefiori mosaic glass trade beads are a stunning find, showcasing intricate design and exceptional craftsmanship. Each bead carries a rich history, once exchanged in African trade networks from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Crafted in Venice, Italy, these mosaic millefiori beads are admired for their colorful floral patterns and unique banded oval shape.
- Length: 12-13 mm
- Diameter: 10 mm
- Condition:Excellent, with very light chipping at the ends (refer to photos).
These millefiori beads are part of an ancient Venetian tradition where artisans created glass canes filled with multicolored floral patterns, known as "millefiori" (meaning "a thousand flowers"). Once these canes were carefully arranged, they were sliced and polished to reveal intricate mosaic patterns in each bead. Beads like these became symbols of exchange and connection, traveling vast trade routes and gaining immense value across African regions, especially in Ghana, where they were prized and integrated into local adornments and cultural expressions.
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