Discover this beautiful and rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, a remarkable piece of history crafted in Venice during the early 1900s. These exquisite beads, renowned for their vibrant patterns and intricate designs, played a significant role in African trade, particularly in Ghana and West Africa.
Size: 22 x 13 mm
Condition: Excellent with very light chipping at the ends (see photos)
Each bead was meticulously handcrafted using the traditional Venetian millefiori technique, also known as "mosaic glass." This method involves layering colored glass canes to form beautiful floral and geometric patterns, which are then sliced and fused to create intricate beads.
Trade beads like this one were highly valued as currency and symbols of wealth across Africa, particularly in Ghana. These beads are not just adornments; they are artifacts of a rich cultural exchange between Europe and Africa, spanning centuries.
