Discover this beautiful matching pair of old "Tic-Tac-Toe" fancy Venetian lampwork glass trade beads, skillfully crafted with intricate trail decoration. These rare beads, dating back to the late 1800s to early 1900s, were part of the historic African trade, where Venetian beads played a crucial role.
Bead Size: 17-18 mm in length x 10 mm in width
Condition: Very good, with minor decoration loss (please see photos for details)
These antique Venetian beads were made using the traditional lampwork technique, also known as wound glass, where glass rods are wound around a mandrel and decorated while molten. This technique originated in Venice and was highly valued for creating intricate designs and durable beads. Trade beads like these were used as currency in Africa, particularly in regions like Ghana, where they became a significant part of the local culture and history.
