Tribalgh
Antique Fancy Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads with Trail Decoration, 17-18mm
Antique Fancy Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads with Trail Decoration, 17-18mm
These three beautiful antique Venetian lampwork beads feature an intricate "fancy" trail decoration. Made in Venice during the late 1800s to early 1900s, these wound glass beads were crafted specifically for trade in Africa, particularly in Ghana. They showcase the vibrant, artistic mastery of Venetian glassmakers.
- Size: 17-18 mm in length
- Diameter: 9 mm
- Condition: Very good condition, especially given their age
Each bead was carefully crafted using the lampwork technique, where glass is heated and shaped into delicate beads by winding molten glass around a metal rod. This ancient process, mastered by Venetian artisans, created beads that became highly valued in trade. These beads traveled from Venice to West Africa, where they became a symbol of wealth and prestige in regions such as Ghana. The importance of these trade beads in African culture, particularly in Ghana, cannot be overstated, as they were exchanged for goods and even used in ceremonial purposes.
These rare Venetian lampwork beads are a true testament to history, craftsmanship, and the cultural exchange between Venice and Africa.
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