Trade Beads – Large Chevrons

Trade Beads - Large Chevrons

Trade Beads - Large Chevrons are a must have for the avid collector! These elegant layered beads usually come in Red, White and Blue, but can also come in other colors. Crafters use them on necklaces, chokers, bags, etc. Re-enactors will find them perfect for period correct regalia.
Bead makers in Venice, Italy made the first Chevron Beads near the end of the 14th century. Traders carried these layered glass beads to North America and Africa. They are highly desirable due to the complexity of their manufacture. In fact, craftsmen were not permitted to leave their factories in order to prevent them from sharing the technology.

History of Trade Beads

From the 15th to the 20th century, traders carried European glass beads across the world. The beads were highly desired by Native Americans, as glass was then an unknown substance in North American. European glass beads, mostly from Venice, became popular and sought after by Native Americans. Europeans realized early on that beads were important to Native Americans and corporations such as Hudson Bay Trading Company developed lucrative bead-trading markets with them. The Hudson Bay Trading Company was an organized group of explorers who operated during the 19th century. They ventured into the North American continent for trade expeditions.
This strand includes 7 chevrons separated by 8 white center red glass crow beads. These particular Chevron Beads are all the more valuable due to their size, the largest of which is 1 1/2" long and 1" wide. The other 6 chevrons are approximately 1 1/4" long and 3/4" wide. The chevron beads' bore holes range from 1/8" to 5/16" wide.
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SKU: 2222-002-486

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