You can see traces of surface decoration - these were faux chevrons, painted to look like the real thing.
I think these were discussed on BCN in the past - try searching for faux chevron.

On eBay - under faux chevrons - you can see a number of examples of this bead - they are listed as late 1800s - early 1900s, origin Europe. Probably others know more about the exact country of origin. I think they are ceramic beads.