Rare Antique "Peacock" Venetian Mosaic Glass African Trade Beads
Rare Antique "Peacock" Venetian Mosaic Glass African Trade Beads
Item number:
SKU:SB-40113
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Beautiful matching pair of rare old "PEACOCK" banded oval millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade beads.
Size: 17 x 10 mm
Condition: Excellent condition (few air bubbles and very lightly beveled, see photos)
These exquisite Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade beads were used in the African trade in the early 1900s. Each bead features intricate "Peacock" banding, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of Venetian glassmakers.
The millefiori technique, meaning "thousand flowers" in Italian, involves the meticulous layering of glass rods, which are then sliced to reveal intricate floral and geometric patterns. Originating from Venice, this labor-intensive process produces beads of unparalleled beauty and historical significance.
Trade beads like these played a vital role in the economies of Ghana and other parts of Africa, serving not only as currency but also as symbols of social status and cultural heritage. Their use in trade helped forge connections between continents, making them precious artifacts of global history.
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