Discover a rare and antique Venetian millefiori trade bead, crafted in the early 1900s and used in the African trade. This beautiful bead showcases an intricate mosaic design with a delicate trail decoration, characteristic of the expert craftsmanship from Venice. Millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, have been highly sought after for their vibrant colors and complex designs.
Size: 22 x 11 mm
Condition: Very good, lightly beveled with minor chipping at the ends (please refer to photos)
This antique glass bead played a significant role in the African trade during the early 20th century, often exchanged for goods and treasured as valuable ornaments by tribes in West Africa. Venetian millefiori beads were crafted using the murrine technique, where slices of colored glass canes were arranged into intricate patterns and then fused to form a single bead.
These unique glass trade beads became particularly significant in Ghana and other parts of Africa, where they were not only symbols of wealth but also carried cultural and historical importance, often passed down through generations as family heirlooms.
