Strand of Antique Venetian Millefiori Glass Trade Beads with Akan Brass Goldweight Pendant, West Africa, Ghana

A composed strand of antique Venetian millefiori glass trade beads, restrung for wear and centred with a cast brass Akan goldweight pendant. Such beads were produced in Venice for export to West Africa and became integral to regional systems of exchange, adornment, and status display. The inclusion of an Akan goldweight—traditionally used in weighing gold dust—adds a culturally grounded element associated with the Akan-speaking peoples of present-day Ghana.

The millefiori beads display a range of classic mosaic cane patterns in polychrome palettes, consistent with late 19th to early 20th century Venetian production for the African trade. The brass pendant is cast using the lost-wax process, showing surface wear and patina consistent with age and handling. The strand has been professionally restrung to preserve original components while ensuring stability for wear. Such assembled strands are widely collected for their historical role in global trade networks and their material diversity.

Circa: Late 19th – early 20th century

Provenance:
Egon Guenther Collection; by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection

Measurements:
Length: 72 cm

Weight:
180 g