Fancy Venetian Trade Bead Strand with Unusual Beads

Great strand of very unusual African Trade Beads. These beads were made in Venice and then traded to Africa in the 19th century. These particular beads are quite unusual and highly collectable. The middle of the strand features a beautiful flat brick-red tabular bead that is highly sought after variety. It is in excellent condition. The beautiful millefiori next to it is also spectacular -- but has a small (but noticeable) chip on one side. The black beads going up the side are quite rare -- we can't remember seeing any quite like them before -- and are in mixed condition. The close up on the right shows both one of the most damaged of the black beads, as well as several that are in average condition. Still - a great strand at a very reasonable price.

The strand measures ---- inches long, plus approximately 4 inches of raffia cord. The center tabular bead measures ---- mm x ---- mm by about 6 mm deep.