| Original Message: This is an Islamic Period millefiori bead. |
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Hello AnneMarie, This is an Islamic Period bead with millefiori decoration, from the Middle East. The millefiori process was not routinely exploited in the Phoenician Period. In fact, most Phoenician products rely almost entirely upon direct furnace-working (winding and trailing). The exception is that some beads and pendants have a preformed bicolored spiral (twisted) cane. This was probably the practical beginning of preparing preformed parts, that eventually led to the mosaic-glass approach, that ultimately became conventional millefiori and other mosaic-glass works. In any event, since it has never been demonstrated that Roman Period beads come out of Mali, and since the millefiori technique is basically a Roman and Post-Roman technique, it would be unreasonable to think that a millefiori bead from W. Africa might be "Phoenician." These are suggestions made by people who do not understand glass history and technology, in order to make a sale. Your bead can be seen in Callmer's book on Viking Period beads, dating from ca. CE 1000. Much later than the Phoenician and Roman Periods. Jamey All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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