Antique Green Striped Watermelon Chevrons, from the African Trade - Rita Okrent Collection (AT0534)

Well matched green watermelon chevron beads from the African Trade, on a broken raffia.

Commonly used for trading purposes in West Africa, watermelon chevrons got their name from their top layer being shaped like a watermelon.  These were beads of value in African traditional culture as they were an indicator of rank, age, wealth and social status.

Circa late 1800's to early 1900's.

Strand measures 30 inches.

Beads measure 11-14mm length.

African Item 0534