Rare Antique Venetian Kente Fancy Banded Glass Trade Beads, 13-14mm

These stunning and rare antique Venetian "Kente" Fancy banded beads showcase the incredible craftsmanship of 19th-century Venetian artisans. Made with the traditional lampwork technique, these matching glass beads feature vibrant trail decorations, offering a rare glimpse into the intricate designs popular during the African trade of the late 1800s to early 1900s. The detailed bands and vibrant colors make them a true collector's treasure, representing the rich history of African trade and bead culture.

• Bead Length: 13-14 mm
• Bead Diameter: 11 mm

• Condition: Excellent

The creation of these Venetian wound (lampwork) beads involved a meticulous process of shaping molten glass around a metal rod, allowing for highly detailed designs like the trail decorations seen in these Kente beads. These beads were highly sought after in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were used as currency and for ceremonial purposes, symbolizing wealth and status. The vibrant colors and designs resonated with the artistic traditions of the Kente cloth, a symbol of prestige in the Ashanti culture.

Explore more beautiful antique Venetian lampwork trade beads in our current collection, see our full selection of old trade beads, or browse our archive of sold Venetian beads for inspiration.