Discover the beauty of this rare and exquisite banded Fancy Venetian wound glass trade bead with intricate trail decoration. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this antique bead is a unique piece of history, having played a key role in African trade. A perfect addition for collectors of historical African trade beads.
Size: 13 x 12 mm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor decoration loss (see photos)
This bead is an exceptional example of Venetian lampwork (wound glass) craftsmanship, a technique developed in Venice, Italy. The glass is meticulously wound around a metal rod, allowing for beautiful, durable designs like the banding and trail decorations seen on this piece. Venetian trade beads were highly prized in African markets, especially in Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and services. These beads carry deep cultural significance, representing the rich history of trade and craftsmanship across continents.
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