Red Dotted Fancy Rectangular Venetian Trade Beads

These old beads from West Africa are originally of Venetian provenance and were transported by merchants and explorers for trade in Africa during the 18th-20th centuries. To this day, Venetian and Murano glass makers are world renown for the quality of their craftsmanship and their creations are coveted by collectors and bead aficionados alike who appreciate the rich cultural, artistic, and historical legacy that these works of art represent. Each bead measures approximately 16-20 x 8mm with a 2mm hole size. The strand has been prepared by stringing and wrapping the beads in the traditional fashion on raffia straw.