New Study on Millefiori Beads Opens New Perspectives on Their Origin

Innsbruck, April 9, 2026 - A previously unpublished study, funded by the Tyrolean Science Fund (TWF) and conducted at the Institute of Archaeologies, University of Innsbruck, provides new insights into the origin of historical millefiori beads. The findings may broaden existing assumptions about the provenance of these glass objects.

For centuries, millefiori beads were considered products of Venetian glassmaking from Murano. Since the 16th century, they played an important role as trade objects in exchanges between Europe and Africa. The current study suggests that their production may not have been limited exclusively to Venice.

As part of the research project "Development of a methodology to classify Millefiori beads used as trade objects in Western Africa", MMag. Dr. Michael Unterwurzacher and Mag. Alexander Sarlay analyzed selected historical trade beads from West Africa. The aim was to develop a methodology for classifying these objects.

A state-of-the-art, non-destructive analytical technique was applied: using an M4 Tornado 2D micro-XRF spectrometer, the beads were examined for their chemical composition. The analyses were carried out in cooperation with the Institute of Mineralogy and Petrography at the University of Innsbruck.

The results show that the analyzed beads exhibit chemical characteristics that differ from typical Venetian soda-lime glass. Instead, lead contents of up to 39 percent were identified. This composition may indicate production contexts outside Venice, such as England, France, or Bohemia.

These findings open new perspectives on historical production networks and trade relations of the early modern period. If confirmed by further studies, they could contribute to a more differentiated understanding of the production and distribution of millefiori beads.

The analyzed beads originate from the collection of Prof. Gert Chesi at the Museum of Peoples in Schwaz.

Beyond their historical relevance, the developed methodology may also be significant for provenance research. It enables a scientifically sound and non-destructive analysis of historical glass objects.

The publication of the full study is expected with interest by the academic community. The current results already demonstrate how modern analytical methods can provide valuable new insights into historical trade objects.

Mag. Alexander Sarlay
Sonnleiten 15
6094 Axams
Austria

MMag. Dr. Michael Unterwurzacher
Perlachweg 340a
6073 Sistrans
Austria

About the Authors
Mag. Alexander Sarlay and MMag. Dr. Michael Unterwurzacher work interdisciplinarily on topics related to history, Africa, and global trade structures. Their research combines historical analysis with scientific investigation methods and is informed by extensive fieldwork and practical experience.
As part of their interdisciplinary approach, they integrate market research, field studies conducted in Africa, and advanced analytical techniques to explore material evidence from the past. These on-site experiences continuously give rise to new scientific research questions, which they investigate in order to uncover connections between raw materials, trade objects, and global networks.
Their work aims to provide a deeper understanding of historical relationships and to place them within a broader global context. A particular focus lies on the connections between Europe and Africa, as well as on the study of historical trade objects within the framework of early globalization processes.

This release was published on openPR.