Rare Rectangular Feather Fancy Antique Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads

Discover a stunning matching pair of rare old rectangular "Feather" Fancy Venetian wound glass beads, skillfully crafted with intricate trail decorations. These antique Venetian beads, made in Venice, date back to the late 1800s - early 1900s, and were widely used in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and West Africa.

• Size: 17mm x 9mm x 8mm
• Condition: Excellent

The delicate craftsmanship of these beads is a testament to the meticulous technique of lampwork, also known as wound glass, which was perfected by Venetian artisans. In this process, molten glass was wound around a metal rod, with the intricate feather-like trail patterns added for extra beauty and rarity.

Venetian trade beads like these played a crucial role in West African history, especially in Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and often symbolized wealth and status. Their importance in the African trade cannot be understated, as they remain treasured artifacts of cultural and historical significance.

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