Italian Strand of Beads

Blue, yellow, red and black glass, strung with no interest in matching.

This strand of glass beads comes from Italy, and the record gives no date. Italian glass beads were commonly traded abroad, and Venetian glass in particular reached African markets in large numbers. This strand is a mix of sizes and styles. Some beads are banded green and yellow with eye-like dots, some are glossy black with pale bands, and two longer reddish tubes break the pattern. The finish is glassy, slightly dusty in places.

About 34 inches long. A necklace with a long trading career in its past.