Rare Antique Black Fancy Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads, 11-12mm

Discover a rare pair of antique black "fancy" Venetian wound glass trade beads, beautifully crafted with intricate trail decorations. These beads, made in Venice in the late 1800s to early 1900s, were once used in the African trade and are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and stunning craftsmanship.

• Size: 11-12 mm X 8 mm
• Condition: Excellent

These Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, are meticulously handcrafted using a traditional technique that originated in Venice. The glass is wound around a mandrel in molten form, allowing skilled artisans to create intricate designs like the trail decoration found on these beads. Over centuries, Venetian trade beads played an important role in the exchange of goods across Africa, especially in regions like Ghana, where they were highly valued and used as currency in trade networks. These historic beads are not only collectibles but a piece of African and European trade history.

Explore more of TribalGH's unique collections of antique beads:

• Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Venetian Lampwork Beads Archives