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19th C. Venetian Black “Apostrophe” Eye Beads / Necklace

Original price was: $1,760.00.Current price is: $106.00.

SKU: 79176994145019 Categories: Beads of Paradise NYC, Ethnic Jewelry

Rare 19th C. MINT CONDITION Venetian Black “Apostrophe” Eye Beads.
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 were “Eye”s, were created by melting or inlaying other colored canes of glass into the base bead.
The white swirl or “apostrophe” pattern was hand inlaid into the black base bead and resembled an “Eye”. The “Eye” beads were (and are) highly valued in many traditional cultures worldwide as strong talismans to deflect the “Evil Eye” or malevolent intent back to its origin.
These rare and “foreign” glass beads were highly valued trade commodities in Africa, and became the highest level Prestige and Dowry Currency throughout the Continent. The most rare and beautiful were often collected and worn by African Kings and their Royal Courts.
Bead size approx. 15mm
Strand length approx. 35″ ( beaded section 28″)
The necklace is in the original configuration as it was found in Nigeria years ago.

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