2.1.7 Other Varieties of Beads

The Jamestown assemblage also contained seven chevron beads (Kidd IIIm1), named for the distinctive star-like patterns they form when viewed from an end. Each was tubular-shaped and comprised of seven glass layers with faceted/ground ends. Five of the seven specimens were medium sized;¹ two were very large.⁹ Several characteristics of chevron beads changed over time (Smith 1976:15, 1983:148). Earlier varieties exhibited the physical qualities seen in the Jamestown collection. Later varieties tended to be rounded rather than tubular in shape and the number of glass layers decreased from seven to five or sometimes four. Later chevrons date to the early 17^th-century at other sites, but have not been found in Jamestown Rediscovery contexts.

Two melon-shaped beads of opaque yellow glass with molded impressions of alternating vertical ridges and "twisted rope" designs (Kidd WIIe*) were identified in the Jamestown assemblage as well. These beads are vaguely similar to the "seven oaks gilded molded" bead described by Smith (1983: Figure 1, Row 4). Seven oaks gilded molded beads have been found on several sites associated with regions of Spanish colonization in Florida and Georgia (Ibid.).