Antique Venetian Lewis & Clark Beads #17425

Admire this exceptional strand of old Lewis & Clark African trade beads, prized for their distinctive black glass bodies decorated with colorful trailing glass patterns in white, blue, red, and other subtle accents. These large wound-glass beads belong to the broader tradition of European glass trade beads that circulated widely through Africa during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Commonly known among collectors as “Lewis & Clark” beads, the name references the important role glass beads played as trade goods during the era of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, although there is no evidence that the expedition itself carried this particular decorated bead type. Examples of this style are generally associated with Venetian lampworked glass and are sometimes classified among the floral or fiorate decorated trade beads. This impressive strand measures approximately 32 inches long, with individual beads measuring approximately 22–26 x 11–14mm. The irregular surfaces, worn decoration, small chips, and variations from bead to bead are part of the character of these old beads and reflect their age and history of use. Collected in Africa after generations of circulation and trade, they make an outstanding addition to a trade bead collection and can also be incorporated into distinctive jewelry or displayed as a decorative object. This is a unique, individually selected strand—you will receive the exact strand pictured.