Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori African Trade Bead - Mosaic Glass, 43x10mm

Explore the beauty and craftsmanship of this Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori Trade Bead, a vibrant mosaic glass piece used in the African trade during the early 1900s. This unique bead showcases traditional Venetian artistry, featuring intricate, multicolored millefiori (“thousand flowers”) designs carefully crafted in Venice, Italy. These beads have become a hallmark of antique African trade, carrying historical and cultural significance that adds to their allure.

Specifications:

• Size: 43 x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good, with only very light chipping at the ends

Crafted using the intricate millefiori mosaic technique, this bead reflects centuries-old Venetian glasswork traditions. Each millefiori bead was created by fusing colorful glass rods, then slicing them to reveal stunning floral patterns. In the early 1900s, beads like this were highly sought after in Africa, especially in Ghana, as symbols of wealth and cultural expression, where they played an essential role in local economies and artistic traditions.

Discover more antique Venetian beads in TribalGH's collections:

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