Vintage African Trade Beads Strand - Venetian Millefiori

Description

View Vintage African Trade Beads Strand - Venetian Millefiori with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Vintage African trade bead strand featuring Venetian millefiori and mosaic glass. ​Includes large statement pieces measuring 24mm to 33mm+ long with mosaic floral and star patterns. ​Circulated condition with natural wear on traditional cord. While these are historically referred to as West African trade beads , they were not actually made by an African tribe. ​Instead, they were manufactured in Europe—primarily in Venice, Italy (and sometimes Bohemia)—specifically to be exported and used as currency, barter items, and decorative trade goods in Africa from the colonial era through the mid-20th century. ​Once they arrived in West Africa, they were deeply integrated into the cultures, wealth-holding, and traditional attire of various local groups and kingdoms, but the beads themselves are European glasswork. Category: Antiques › Ethnographic › African › Jewelry.

Origin

Venetian

Type

Strand

Material

Glass