Description
African Glass, Venetian Style, Clear Flower Beads, 19x10mm, 2-3mm Hole
This price is for one 36 inch strand
19x10mm strands have approx. 43 pieces
African beads made in the "Venetian style," often referred to as Trade Beads, represent a fascinating intersection of European industry and African artistry. These glass beads were produced primarily in Venice (Murano) from the 15th through the 20th centuries and used as a form of currency and social signaling across the African continent.
*These beads are NOT vintage*
For centuries, glass was a rare and highly valued material in sub-Saharan Africa. Venetian glassmakers capitalized on this by mass-producing beads specifically designed for the African market. These beads were exchanged for goods such as gold, ivory, palm oil, and, tragically, enslaved people. Over time, these beads became deeply integrated into local cultures, signifying wealth, status, and tribal identity.
