RARE Red Elbow Antique Venetian Glass Trade Bead Imitating Coral

Discover this stunning RARE Red Elbow Venetian wound glass trade bead, a beautiful example of antique craftsmanship, imitating the precious red coral. These beads are highly sought after for their vibrant color and historical significance, particularly in the African trade of the early 1900s.

• Size: 40 mm x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good with very light chipping at the ends (see photos)

Venetian glass beads, especially those imitating coral, were meticulously crafted using the lampwork technique, also known as wound glass. Each bead was hand-formed in Venice by heating glass rods and winding the molten material around a mandrel. The result is a durable and beautifully unique bead, often mimicking natural materials like coral, which were prized in trade.

These Venetian beads played a vital role in the trade routes across Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and became part of the cultural and economic fabric of the region. Today, they remain a symbol of history, artistry, and the rich heritage of African trade.

Explore more of TribalGH's collection of antique Venetian beads:
Venetian Lampwork Beads Collection | Old Trade Beads Collection | Archives of Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads