Description

Strand of antique Venetian red feather beads made for the African trade. These striking drawn glass beads display fine white feathered trail decoration on a deep translucent red ground, creating a lively and highly decorative appearance.

Produced in Venice during the late 19th to early 20th century, feather beads were among the many glass bead types exported to West Africa through established trade networks. Their distinctive trailing and rich colour make them particularly attractive to collectors of African trade beads.

The strand is in very good overall condition. Three beads have small edge chips consistent with age and use.
Collected in Mali.

View our Venetian Trade Beads

Dimensions

• Lengths: 12–23 mm
• Widths: 8–10 mm
• 39 beads