Rare Antique Large Oval Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead

Discover the beauty and rarity of this antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead. This large, oval-shaped bead, crafted in the early 1900s, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Venetian beadmakers, famed for their glasswork exported to Africa during the height of the bead trade. Millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, are prized for their intricate, colorful patterns, making them a coveted piece in African trade history.

• Size: 22 x 14 mm
• Condition: Excellent, very lightly chipped at the ends (see photos)

The technique used to create these beads involves layering and stretching colorful glass canes into patterns, a signature process perfected by Venetian artisans. These beads played a significant role in African trade, particularly in Ghana, where they were valued not only as currency but as symbols of wealth and status. This bead's rich history and craftsmanship make it a unique collectible.

Explore more of TribalGH's collection:

• Current Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads in Archives