2 Loose 6 Layer Chevron Venetian Trade Bead MATTER COLLECTION

A classic single six-layer chevron bead, also known as a rosetta bead, featuring the distinctive star pattern revealed at each end. Built from alternating layers of colored glass, traditionally blue, white, red, and green, the bead was created using the complex drawn glass technique perfected in Venice.

Highly prized in the African trade, chevron beads became symbols of status and adornment across West Africa. The crisp layered pattern and visible age wear make this a striking example of one of the most iconic trade beads ever produced.

A beautiful standalone collector’s piece or focal element in a strand.

Venetian Chevron beads are highly regarded as the most beautiful and collectible among Venetian "Trade Beads." Produced through a multi-step process involving layering different colored glasses in a 12-point star mold, Chevron beads are also known as "Rosetta" and "Star" beads. The earliest versions from the late 1400s had seven layers, evolving over time to include 8, 9, and 10 layers in the 1500s, and later 3 and 5 layers in the 1600s-1700s. The peak production in the late 1800s and early 1900s featured 4 and 6-layer beads.

Counting Chevron layers is from the innermost (around the perforation) to the outermost layer, typically identified by different colors. Despite challenges, Chevron beads remain popular globally, with significant private collections in Africa, Europe, and America. In Africa, they signify prestige, are worn at ceremonies, and are even buried with the deceased.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.

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