Rare Old Banded Millefiori Venetian Trade Bead with Aventurine, 16x11mm

Discover the beauty and rarity of this old banded millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead, adorned with aventurine decoration. This antique treasure, featured in Picard, Volume VI, p.40, bead 738, is a true gem of the early 1900s, once used in the vibrant African trade networks. The bead’s intricate mosaic design and its unique banded aventurine accent make it a collector's dream.

• Size: 16 x 11 mm
• Condition: Very good condition with beveled edges; used in African trade.

The Venetian millefiori beads were meticulously crafted using a highly skilled glassmaking technique, known as "mosaic" due to the intricate patterns resembling tiny flowers or geometric shapes. Made in Venice, Italy, these beads hold a special place in history as they were highly valued in African trade, particularly in Ghana and other parts of West Africa, where they were exchanged for goods and even used as currency. The allure of these beads lies not just in their beauty but in their role as cultural and economic symbols.

Explore more about these rare, antique beads from TribalGH's collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads