Rare Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Glass Trade Bead, 37x10mm

Explore the timeless beauty of this rare antique Venetian elbow millefiori glass trade bead, a remarkable example of Venice’s masterful glasswork created for African trade in the early 1900s. This unique bead boasts vibrant mosaic patterns and a distinct "elbow" shape, making it a standout addition to any collection of authentic African trade beads.

Bead Details:

• Size: 37 x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good; light chipping at ends (see photos)

Venetian millefiori, or "thousand flowers," beads are meticulously crafted using a complex glasswork technique perfected in Venice, Italy. Artisans layered and fused colored glass canes to produce vibrant floral or geometric patterns within each bead. These beautiful creations became highly sought-after trade beads across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were treasured for their beauty, cultural symbolism, and value as a form of currency and status.

Explore more of TribalGH's beautiful bead collections:

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