Rare SPEO 3 Layer Venetian Chevron Bead | Antique Trade Glass

Offering a rare and old 3-layer Venetian Chevron "SPEO" glass trade bead, as referenced in Picard, Volume VII, p.29, bead 137. This exceptional bead is a true collector's gem, featuring a unique construction and historic pedigree tied to the African trade of the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Known for its distinct shape and layering, the SPEO Chevron bead stands out among traditional Rosetta beads. Its bold, rounded profile and subtle three-layer construction highlight Venetian mastery in glasswork and trade design.

• Bead Size: 17 mm (length) x 18 mm (diameter)

• Condition: Excellent antique condition

History & Craftsmanship

Venetian Chevron beads-also called Rosetta beads-have a long and rich history, originating in the famed glass workshops of Murano, Venice. Crafted using the "drawn cane" method, layers of molten colored glass were stacked, shaped with star molds, and pulled into long canes. These were then sliced into beads and ground to reveal their signature layered star patterns on each end.

The SPEO variety is especially rare and features a more rounded, spherical profile with fewer layers than the typical 5 to 7-layer Chevrons. These beads were highly prized in West and Central Africa, often used as currency and symbols of prestige in local societies during the height of the trade era.

Today, SPEO Chevron beads are among the most collectible Venetian trade beads due to their scarcity, distinctive form, and historical value. Owning one connects you to centuries of artisan craftsmanship and global cultural exchange.

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