Jumbo Mixed Antique Venetian Trade Beads #17681

This exceptional mixed strand brings together a colorful assortment of vintage African beads, including Venetian trade beads alongside indigenously produced African powder glass beads. For centuries, glass beads made in European centers such as Venice traveled through extensive trade networks into Africa, where they were exchanged, collected, worn, and incorporated into local traditions. African beadmakers also developed their own distinctive glassmaking techniques, creating beads that today form an important part of this rich material history. Measuring an extra-long 40", this strand features an eclectic variety of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes, carefully arranged in an attractive graduated pattern and finished with a traditional raffia wrap at the top. Its substantial size makes it an impressive decorative or collectible piece, while the individual beads can also be restrung and incorporated into your original jewelry and design projects. Some beads may show chips, wear, or other signs of age that add to their distinctive character. You will receive the exact one-of-a-kind strand pictured. All measurements are approximate.