Beautiful Antique Striped Elbow Venetian Wound Glass Trade Bead, Early 1900s

This beautiful antique striped elbow Venetian wound glass trade bead dates back to the early 1900s and was originally used in African trade, making it a rare and collectible piece for any bead enthusiast. This bead is featured in Picard, Volume V, p.41, bead 1405, further attesting to its historical significance.

• Size: 26 x 8 mm
• Condition: Excellent, with minimal wear

The technique used to craft this bead is known as lampworking or "wound" glass, a skillful Venetian tradition where molten glass is intricately wound around a metal rod to form beads. These beads, made in Venice, Italy, were highly valued and served as essential trade items in Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were used as currency and symbols of wealth. African trade beads like this one are a testament to the rich cultural exchange between Europe and Africa, bridging history, artistry, and commerce.

Explore more unique beads from our collection:

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