Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads - Mosaic Glass, 11mm

Add a piece of history to your collection with these five exquisite antique Venetian millefiori glass trade beads. These rare African trade beads are made in the intricate millefiori, or “thousand flowers,” style, showcasing stunning mosaic patterns that reflect the artisanship of early 20th-century Venice.

Bead Size:

• Diameter: Approximately 11 mm
• Width: 6-7 mm

Condition:

• Very Good: Lightly beveled edges, as visible in photos

These antique Venetian beads, crafted with exceptional skill, were originally produced in Venice in the early 1900s and hold a significant place in African history, where they became symbols of wealth and cultural heritage. Created using the millefiori technique, each bead features vibrant, meticulously layered glass, forming a floral mosaic that remains vivid through time.

These trade beads once served as valuable currency and were exchanged across West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they became cherished symbols in traditional ceremonies and attire. Venetian mosaic beads are more than mere adornments—they are stories of global trade, artisanship, and cultural exchange spanning continents.

Explore more of TribalGH’s unique millefiori beads collection, our selection of antique trade beads, and the archived collection of sold millefiori beads.