Bidspirit auction | Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace

Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace - West Africa & Venice, 19th - 20th century. A strand of Venetian-style millefiori glass trade beads, composed of black cylindrical beads decorated with white, red, and yellow eye-and-scroll motifs. The beads are strung on cord and display the bold polychrome patterning associated with European glass beads traded widely throughout West Africa. Such beads were valued as personal adornment, prestige objects, and trade goods within African exchange networks. Condition: Good overall condition with wear consistent with age and handling. Scattered abrasions, small chips, surface pitting, and minor losses to several beads. Cord appears later or restrung. Dimensions: Length: 8 in. (20 cm) 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.