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7 Layer 17th Century Chevron Bead Strand

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:75.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
7 Layer 17th Century Chevron Bead Strand
Available in this lot is a seven layer chevron trade bead necklace originating from the late 17th century. The necklace consists of 23 large chevron trade beads on raffia. Chevrons beads are made by a multi-part process. They start with the making of the cane, then another color glass is added, and then this is usually put into a 12 point star mold. This process is repeated for each additional layer on the bead. Chevron beads, also called "Rosetta" and "Star" beads, have been made in Venice since the late 1400's and are still in limited production today. Chevron beads have been traded throughout the world, most heavily in Africa. The Dutch traders were the first to bring Chevron beads to Africa in the late 1400's. The beads show layers of red, white, and blue glass cut into beads. The beads shows good condition overall, with some wear across the beads due to age; the raffia has been broken and retied.