Antique Venetian millefiore glass beads and Rashaida silver

This necklace uses a flamboyant mixture of 17th century Venetian millefiore glass beads used to trade gold, minerals, ivory and even slaves from West Africa. They were highly prized by chiefs who used them as adornment to demonstrate their power. The beads effectively became currency and were the basis of Venice's great power and wealth from the 16th century. They are combined with handmade silver from the Rashaida nomads who live in the region of the Eritrean / Sudanese border. This is an heirloom piece.
Length: approx 44 cm / 17 inches