Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead 38x8mm

Discover a stunning example of antique Venetian craftsmanship with this exquisite Old Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead. Made in Venice, Italy, in the early 1900s, this bead boasts a delicate mosaic pattern, crafted by hand with the traditional millefiori technique. Such beads played a significant role in African trade, prized by communities for their beauty and symbolic value.

• Size: 38 x 8 mm
• Condition: Very good, with very light chipping at the ends (see photos)

These millefiori, or "thousand flowers" beads, represent a timeless Venetian glassmaking tradition that blends intricate design with vibrant color. Each bead was crafted through a labor-intensive process, where artisans layered colorful glass canes to create striking, mosaic-like patterns. Once complete, these Venetian glass beads traveled along historic trade routes to West Africa, where they became an integral part of cultural exchange, particularly in Ghana and surrounding regions.

Add this piece of history to your collection and experience the beauty and cultural significance of authentic Venetian trade beads.

Explore more of TribalGH's remarkable collection of Venetian millefiori beads:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads