Bidspirit auction | Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace &

Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace & Akan Gold Pendants - Venice / West Africa, 19th - 20th century beads, later assembled as a necklace. Composed of elongated polychrome Venetian millefiori glass trade beads in yellow, cobalt blue, white, red, and green tones, interspersed with gold-plated or possibly solid gold spacers and pendant ornaments, including Akan-style decorative elements. Such beads were traded widely throughout Africa and were valued as adornment, prestige objects, and trade goods. Length: 10 in. / 25 cm. Largest pendant: 1 in. / 2.5 cm. Condition: Good overall condition with wear consistent with age and handling. Scattered abrasions, small chips, surface wear, and minor losses to several glass beads. Gold elements with light wear, minor dents, and irregular casting surfaces. Metal content has not been tested. Ex-Tennessee Estate. Family collection of an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally.