Product Description: This strand features Venetian trade beads known as "Rattlesnake Eye" beads. These African trade beads have a black base with white wavy trail decorations and yellow and red eye patterns. The wavy lines resemble a snake, hence the name "Rattlesnake Eye." The entire strand is in good condition.

Specifications:

• Origin: Venice
• Estimated Production Era: 1800s to early 1900s
• Diameter: 13-14mm
• Number of Beads: 63 beads
• Length: 85cm
• Special Notes: As these are antique items, there may be scratches, cracks, or chips.
• Important Notice: The actual product may appear slightly different from the photo due to lighting conditions. The colors are represented as they appear under indoor lighting.

About Trade Beads:

Trade Beads: Trade beads are antique beads made in Venice, Bohemia, and other European countries from the late 1400s to the early 1900s. They were used in trade with Africa and the Americas. In Africa, they were exchanged for gold, ivory, and slaves, while in North America, they were traded for furs with Native Americans. The peak of trade bead production was from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, with millions of beads produced and exported to Africa. Most of these beads were manufactured in Venice.