These rare black fancy Venetian wound glass trade beads with intricate trail decoration are a true collector's piece. Made in Venice, Italy, these beads are a beautiful example of antique lampwork beads that were traded in Africa during the late 1800s to early 1900s.
Bead length: 9-10 mm
Bead diameter: 5-6 mm
Condition: Very good, with minor decoration loss (see photo)
Each bead was individually crafted using the lampwork technique, also known as wound glass bead-making. This ancient Venetian method involves melting glass over an open flame and shaping it around a metal rod. These beads were highly sought after and used as currency and trade items in regions such as Ghana and West Africa. Their rich history makes them highly valuable to collectors and bead enthusiasts alike.
