Rare Elbow Chevron Bead – Antique 4-Layer Venetian Trade Glass

Rare 4-Layer Striped ELBOW Venetian Chevron Glass Trade Bead

This is a beautiful and exceptionally rare old 4-layer striped ELBOW Venetian Chevron glass trade bead, featuring the classic layered construction with a striking elongated and curved "elbow" form. A prized example of Venetian craftsmanship, this bead is a must-have for collectors of antique African trade beads.

• Size: 29 mm x 7 mm

• Condition: Excellent

Made in Venice and traded throughout Africa in the early 1900s, this Chevron bead-also known as a Rosetta bead-displays four distinct glass layers arranged in a vibrant striped pattern. The rare elbow shape adds visual interest and uniqueness to this already collectible piece, ideal for display or high-end beadwork.

History, Value, and Craftsmanship of Chevron Beads

Venetian Chevron beads originated in the famed glassmaking workshops of Murano, Italy, as early as the 15th century. Using a complex caneworking process, artisans layered colored glass, shaped it into canes, and then cut and ground the beads to reveal the iconic starburst or striped design. The elbow form required even more precision, making examples like this bead both rare and technically impressive.

Highly sought after in West Africa during the height of the trans-Saharan and coastal trade routes, these beads held economic and cultural significance. Today, genuine antique Chevron beads-especially rare forms like this elbow variant-are prized by collectors worldwide for their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical importance.

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