Add a rare and beautiful piece of history to your collection with this Old Banded Blue "Eye" Fancy Venetian Wound Glass Trade Bead. Expertly crafted in Venice during the early 1900s, this antique bead showcases intricate trail decorations, embodying the essence of Venetian craftsmanship.
Bead Size: 17 x 9 mm
Condition: Excellent, well-preserved for its age
Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were highly sought after during the African trade in the early 20th century. These beads were made by hand, using a centuries-old technique where molten glass is wound around a metal rod. The banded blue "eye" design adds a layer of mystery and symbolism, making these beads not just decorative but historically significant.
Trade beads like these played an essential role in African economies, especially in regions such as Ghana. Used as currency and status symbols, they were exchanged for goods and services, contributing to the rich tapestry of African history and culture.
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