Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori Glass Trade Bead, Large African Mosaic Bead

Explore a rare piece of history with this large antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori glass trade bead, crafted with intricate mosaic details that showcase the vibrant artistry of Venetian beadmakers. Originally produced in Venice, Italy, and traded throughout Africa in the early 1900s, this bead stands as a testament to the centuries-old tradition of bead craftsmanship and global trade. Its unique elbow shape and colorful Millefiori patterns make it a stunning focal piece for collectors and jewelry designers alike.

• Size: 57 x 12 mm
• Condition: Very good with a hairline crack and minor end chipping (refer to photos)

The bead’s creation involved the delicate Millefiori technique, meaning “a thousand flowers,” where colored glass canes are layered, fused, and sliced to reveal captivating floral patterns. Venetian artisans crafted these mosaic beads meticulously, and their beauty made them highly valued in trade routes across Africa, especially in regions such as Ghana. Known as “trade beads,” these exquisite pieces became more than adornment; they played a significant role in African trade history, often used as currency or symbols of social status.

Own a piece of this vibrant legacy with TribalGH’s collection of antique Venetian beads:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads