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Antique Green Bicone Venetian Lampwork Beads – African Trade
Antique Green Bicone Venetian Lampwork Beads – African Trade
Discover a set of three stunning antique green bicone Venetian lampwork trade beads, also known as "King" beads. These exquisite beads feature intricate trail decoration and were skillfully made in Venice, Italy, during the late 1800s to early 1900s. Highly sought after for African trade, these glass beads represent a piece of history, once used in the vibrant markets across the continent.
- Size: 14 x 13 mm
- Condition: Excellent, with minor decoration loss (see photos)
Crafted using the traditional lampwork technique, these Venetian beads are a testament to the fine art of glass-making. In this meticulous process, the glass is wound around a mandrel and decorated while molten, allowing for unique designs like the trail patterns on these beads. Venetian trade beads played a crucial role in commerce, particularly in West Africa, including regions like Ghana. They were not only used as currency but also held significant cultural value, symbolizing wealth and status in tribal societies.
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