Antique Striped Black Venetian Wound Glass Trade Beads, 13x10mm, African Trade

Presenting a stunning set of antique Venetian wound glass trade beads, crafted in Venice and used extensively in the African trade in the late 1800s to early 1900s. These beads feature a bold striped black design, with an elegant trail decoration that highlights their unique character and timeless beauty.

• Size of beads: 13 x 10 mm
• Condition: Excellent (minor decoration loss, see photos)

These wound glass beads, also known as lampwork beads, were made by skillfully winding molten glass around a mandrel. Venetian artisans, renowned for their glassmaking techniques, created these beads, which were highly prized and became key items in the trade with African markets, particularly in Ghana and West Africa. Trade beads like these held immense cultural and economic value, often exchanged for goods and services, symbolizing wealth and social status in many African communities.

Explore more of our beautiful Venetian lampwork beads in the links below:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archives of Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads