Antique Red Banded Millefiori Mosaic Glass African Trade Beads

Explore our exquisite collection of Antique Red Banded Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, a captivating piece of history from early 1900s Venice. These beads are not only beautiful but also hold significant historical value as they were extensively used in the African trade.

• Size: 17 - 18 mm X 11 mm
• Condition: Excellent (see photos)

These beads feature a striking red banded design, making them a unique addition to any collection. The intricate millefiori technique, meaning "thousand flowers" in Italian, involves creating patterns with glass canes that are then sliced and molded into beads. This meticulous process originated in Venice and became highly prized across Europe and Africa.

In the African trade, these beads were highly valued and used as currency and symbols of wealth and status. They played a crucial role in the cultural exchanges between Europeans and African tribes, particularly in Ghana. Owning a piece of this heritage not only connects you to the rich history of these regions but also adds a timeless beauty to your collection.

Explore more of our unique collections:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archives of Sold Millefiori Beads