Antique Black Feather Venetian Wound Glass African Trade Beads

These four beautiful, old matching black feather Venetian wound glass trade beads are a fine example of the craftsmanship that thrived in Venice during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Each bead features an intricate trail decoration, adding depth and a striking visual effect to the black base. These beads were highly valued in African trade and have stood the test of time.

• Bead size: 12-13 mm x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good, with minor decoration loss (see photos)

The traditional technique used to create these beads is known as lampwork, or wound glass. Artisans in Venice meticulously wound molten glass around a metal rod, layering colors and designs such as the delicate feather pattern seen here. These beads were widely traded across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they held significant cultural and economic value, being exchanged for goods and woven into the fabric of everyday life. Venetian beads were a form of currency and status, reflecting both beauty and craftsmanship.

Explore more from TribalGH:

• Current collection of Venetian Lampwork Beads
• Browse Trade Beads
• Archived Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads