These are fabulous Antique red and white African Trade Skunk Glass Beads. They are a lovely red color with applied white dots or eyes. Old African trade beads such as these originated in Venice, Italy where they were produced in the 18th and 19th centuries and were traded to Africa. Each eye bead has been crafted by an artisan by applying the molten white dots to the red base of the bead.  These beads appear on sample cards from the Picard Museum and Conterie. Skunk Beads represent one of the earliest forms of 'lampwork', a process which involves the addition of small glass globules to a set surface, giving the 3-D raised effect.  The beads have some chips and pits, consistent with age and use. Some loss of decoration. Each strand is unique and may vary slightly from the photo. Limited supply!

• Average Size: 11mm
• Length: 27 inches 

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