Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads - Rare Murrine Mosaic, 11mm

These exquisite antique Venetian millefiori trade beads are rare and feature a delicate murrine trail decoration that exemplifies traditional Italian glass artistry. Created in the early 1900s, each bead showcases intricate mosaic patterns crafted in Venice for the African trade routes, making them a piece of history as well as an exquisite collector's item.

• Size: Each bead measures 11mm in length by 12mm in diameter.
• Condition: Excellent; beads are very lightly beveled (see photos).

The technique used to create these beads, known as millefiori (meaning “thousand flowers”), was developed in Venice and involved layering multicolored glass canes to create stunning floral and mosaic effects. These beads were widely exchanged across West Africa, particularly in Ghana, serving not only as decorative pieces but also as significant trade items that held cultural and economic value.

Explore more of TribalGH's collection:

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