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19th Century Venetian Green “Ribbon” Beads from Zaire / Necklace

Original price was: $1,760.00.Current price is: $89.00.

Extremely Rare and Fine early 19th century Venetian hand wound and inlaid ” Ribbon” pattern glass beads in a rich forest green color.
Originally created in Venice and Murano Italy, a torch or high intensity flame glass lamp was used to melt glass canes or rods. Once in a molten state, the glass bead was formed by blowing and shaping with tools and hand movements. Often a winding technique can be seen in the body of the glass bead. Intricate patterns, especially favored floral motifs and ribbons wreaths, were created by melting or inlaying other colored canes of glass into the base bead.
The “Ribbon” or “Ivy” pattern was hand inlaid into the forest green hand wound base bead.
These rare and “foreign” glass beads were highly valued trade commodities in Africa, and became the highest level Prestige and Dowry Currency throughout the African Continent. The most rare and beautiful were often collected and worn by African Kings and their Royal Courts.
This particular bead design was almost exclusively found only in Central Africa, where they were used as Prestige Rank Symbols among tribal chieftains, elders and nobility in 19th century Zaire.
Strand Length : Approx. 34″
Bead Size : 10 x 9mm
This amazing strand of excellent condition very rare Trade Beads is in the original strand configuration as it was purchased in Mali, West Africa years ago.

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