Discover a beautiful matching pair of rare, antique Venetian banded "Kente" fancy wound glass trade beads. These exquisite beads feature intricate trail decorations and were highly valued in African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s. Their vibrant patterns and bold design make them a stunning collector’s piece.
Bead Size: 13-14 mm in length
Bead Diameter: 11 mm
Condition: Excellent
These Venetian lampwork beads were meticulously handcrafted in Venice, Italy, using a technique known as lampwork or wound glass beadmaking. Molten glass is wound around a metal mandrel, then trails of colored glass are added for decoration, resulting in unique and beautifully patterned beads. Originally created for African trade, beads like these were essential in transactions and social exchanges in Ghana and other parts of Africa, becoming integral to cultural and historical heritage. Their association with the Kente cloth patterns further enhances their significance in African culture.
For more incredible Venetian Lampwork beads, explore TribalGH's current collections:
