Antique 19th Century Venetian Murano multi layered glass red starburst faceted trade beads.
Invented in the late 15th Century originally on the island of Murano Venice, these beads were used as a form of global currency by European merchants trading across Africa and the Americas to pay for valueable regional exports. They are strung together using twisted natural fibres. Because African communities already used beads for wealth and status tracking, these European glass beads became woven into African cultures.
A lovely piece of historical jewellery or a decoration for hanging on a cupboard handle or door knob.
Measurements are 32cm in Length. I have 2 pairs of these in stock.