Tribalgh

Rare Antique Banded Oval Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads - 11mm

These exquisite antique Venetian millefiori beads, with their unique banded oval shape, showcase the intricate beauty and historical significance of African trade beads from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Each bead is carefully crafted in the famous millefiori or "thousand flowers" mosaic style, bringing together layers of colorful glass canes to create an eye-catching pattern. Rare and highly collectible, these beads were once cherished as currency and symbols of status along historic African trade routes.

Bead Size: 11 mm in length, 8 mm in diameter
Condition: Very good, with very light chipping at the ends

Venetian artisans created these antique glass beads using an elaborate mosaic technique, layering and fusing vibrant glass canes to form intricate patterns. This meticulous craftsmanship produced durable beads that were highly valued in the African trade, especially in Ghana and across West Africa, where they were exchanged for goods and held as prized heirlooms. These beads remain celebrated today for their beauty, cultural significance, and connection to African heritage.

Explore our full selection of authentic Venetian millefiori beads and trade beads: