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Antique Fancy Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads with Trail Decoration
Antique Fancy Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads with Trail Decoration
Discover this stunning set of three matching antique "Fancy" Venetian lampwork trade beads. These rare, hand-crafted glass beads feature exquisite trail decoration, making them a highly sought-after piece for bead collectors and enthusiasts. Originally produced in Venice, Italy, these beads were traded extensively in Africa during the late 1800s to early 1900s, symbolizing rich cultural exchange between Europe and Africa.
- Bead Size: 14-15 mm x 7 mm
- Condition: Excellent
The craftsmanship behind these Venetian wound glass beads is both intricate and fascinating. They were meticulously formed by winding molten glass around a metal rod, a process known as "lampworking" or "wound glass bead" production. The decorative trail technique, seen in these beads, involves adding threads of colored glass to the surface, creating unique, eye-catching patterns.
Trade beads like these played a significant role in the African trade of the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Ghana and other West African regions. Used as currency, symbols of status, and for ceremonial purposes, these beads are more than just decorative objects—they represent the deep connections between African communities and European traders.
For more antique Venetian lampwork trade beads, explore our current collection on TribalGH:
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