2nd picture. Fake chevrons all with white cores. 10mm to 12mm in length, 9mm to 12mm diameter, 2mm to 2.5mm center hole.
Ray
Hello Ray,
These imitation chevron beads exist around Island SE Asia, and are still a mystery. I know them from Borneo/Indonesia, as well as the Philippines—where they are heirloom beads. I first became aware of them in articles published by Robert Liu in The Bead Journal/Ornament, and have seen them in various collections. There are similar specimens that are somewhat larger. The (I think) single specimen I own was given to me by Robert. New reproductions are rampant, from Central Java—and these are rather good copies.
Peter Francis suggested that these beads may be Chinese.
However, until well into the 20th C., I can't point to any Chinese glass beads that have reasonably-nicely-trailed decorations. I am inclined to doubt a Chinese origin—with provisos.*
These beads go hand-in-hand with other supposedly "Chinese" glass beads (also decorated) that are the heirloom beads of the Paiwan folks on the island of Formosa. Same problem, in terms of origins and age.
* Proviso: It is said that the small and even tiny wound glass beads used throughout Indonesia that are sometimes called "mutisalah" (though I reserve that name for drawn beads), or "Chinese coil beads," were made by Chinese glassworkers. My response to this is: "Is it possible these makers were Chinese, but did not actually live and work in China?"
If that were to be the case, I guess it's possible that any number of beads MIGHT be "Chinese"—but they are quite different from the beads I normally associate with industries that are based IN CHINA.
I'm rather uncertain how we would go about determining the origin of these beads with any assurance. But they are all very interesting and collectible beads.
Anyone who has been in the bead-game for a while knows that Peter and I often did not agree on bead issues, and that I have pursued a parallel but different course in my investigations—and one that was largely ignored by Peter.....
Jamey
Hi Jamey
Thanks for your reply, very interesting.
Here is another group. These were also attributed to the Philippines. They are shown in the book, Kayamanan, (Treasures), The Philippine Jewelry Tradition, By Ramon N. Villegas. He mentions them as "Ornamented glass beads of an Indian, Byzantine-Venetian type". I have seen very few of these. These beads I was told were found in diggings, in small covered early pottery bowls. Which makes for their nice condition.
I have other beads I will show, when I locate them.
Ray
HI Ray,
These are rolled-pad beads, that have striped canes. This puts them squarely in the Islamic Period. Roman Period beads wouldn't have striped canes; and Venetians didn't make rolled-pad beads (as far as anyone knows).
Nice beads!
Jamey
Their images have fulfilled inside my head about 12 hours today....
LOVE the simulated chevrons. Very unusual.