Rare Antique Venetian Banded Murano Bird Millefiori African Trade Bead

Discover this rare and stunning banded "Murano Bird" millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead, a piece of history crafted in Venice, Italy. These beads were part of the African trade in the late 1800s to early 1900s and are highly prized by collectors for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.

• Size: 20 x 11 mm

• Condition: Very good condition, beveled edges with minor decoration loss (please refer to photos).

This bead represents the rich history of trade beads, which were exchanged for goods across Africa, especially in Ghana. Millefiori beads, known as "thousand flowers" due to their mosaic patterns, were meticulously handmade in Venice. Craftsmen would layer colored glass canes to form intricate patterns, which were then sliced into thin discs and applied to the beads. Their role in African culture, particularly during the height of the trans-Saharan trade, symbolizes their importance as currency, ornaments, and cultural artifacts.

Explore more collectible trade beads and discover the intricate art of Venetian bead-making.

View our current collection of Millefiori beads for sale, our trade beads collection, and visit the Archives of sold Millefiori beads.