beautiful ancient Venetian Red and White Dot Skunks African Trade made in the late 19th centuries. They were made by winding white molten glass on a hot mandrel until the desired size was achieved. Then the glass artist would add small globules of white, red creating the many decorative eyes and This technique is known as one of the earliest forms of lamp work glass making. Although they were made in Venice, these particular beads were actually traded into Africa.
Type of Object - Wound and decorated glass
+ Made In - Venice
+ Traded In - Africa
+ Overall Condition - Good to fair. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners. Small chips, corrosion, and pitting are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.
+ Damage/Repair - A few chips and cracks. See photos for details
+ Bead Size - 11-12 mm diameter. For size comparison.
+ Strand Length - 32 inches (includes string/raffia)
+ Brand - Unbranded
+ Style - Beaded
+ Type - Necklacein
from the mid 1800s through the early 1900s when millions of these beads were produced and traded in Africa. The Venetians dominated this market and produced the majority of the beads sold during this time. The J.F. Sick and Co, based in Germany and Holland was one of the largest bead brokers/importers during this period. Moses Lewin Levin was a bead importer/exporter who operated out of London from 1830 to 1913. You can see 4 of the Levin trade bead sample cards from 1865 in The History of Beads...africanbazaarus.com