Antique Venetian Lampwork "Manhattan" Chevron Wound Glass Trade Bead – 14mm

Discover this beautiful antique Venetian lampwork trade bead, commonly referred to as the "American flag" or "Manhattan" Chevron. Unlike traditional Chevron beads, which are drawn, this unique piece is a wound glass bead, expertly handcrafted using the ancient lampwork technique. As referenced in Picard’s Volume VII, bead 947, this bead is a rare and sought-after treasure.

• Size: 14 mm X 12 mm
• Condition: Excellent

Venetian trade beads like this one were originally crafted in Venice, Italy, during the 1800s, and played a vital role in the African trade, particularly in Ghana. These beads are renowned for their intricate designs and are often prized by collectors and artisans alike.

The technique used to create this wound glass bead, also known as lampwork, involved melting glass rods over a flame, carefully winding the molten glass around a mandrel. Each bead is meticulously shaped and decorated, making them one-of-a-kind pieces. These Venetian trade beads were highly valued in African trade networks, where they were used as currency, decorative items, and symbols of status.

Explore more Venetian Lampwork beads at TribalGH’s collections below:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads Archive