Chevron Bead Necklace (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Although this necklace has an African provenance, its handsome chevron beads were crafted in Murano, an island near Venice, for trade in Africa and the Americas, where they were highly prized. Chevron beads are drawn through a star-shaped mold and built up in multiple layers. They were produced in great quantity during the 16th century and again in the 19th century. The beads on this necklace were likely made in the 19th century, when they were formed in six layers, standardized in shape, and given rounded ends.
beads created in Venice or Murano, Italy
Gift of Sandra Anderson Taylor
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.