Matching Oval Antique Venetian African Millefiori Trade Beads

Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefiori has become nearly synonymous with the West African Trade. Made from famed Murano glass, Millefiori beads derive their name from the Italian words for “Thousand Flowers” due to the characteristic floral motifs that decorate their surface. Millefiori beads were made throughout the 19th and 20th century primarily for export to Africa. Today they are found in many countries including Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana where they are also known by their Ashanti name “Chachasao”. Most beads are commonly cylindrical in shape but other varieties exist including rectangular, oval, and sometimes even hexagonal beads. This specific strand is distinguished by the blue & white Chevron cane used to produce the flower design. Also, matching strands like this are harder to find. Each strand is unique and may vary slightly from photo. Measurements are approximations.