18th-19thc  Trade/Slave Chevron Glass Bead

"Finding and holding this trade/slave bead was a quiet poignant moment for me......my ancestry."

I found this bead partially submerged in the gloop on the Thames foreshore.

Researching this beautiful large barrel shaped bead lead me to discover a 'dark' secret history - This bead could possibly be Venetian layered glass and used for currency to trade including slaves. 'Perceived and 'worn as high status' (V&A).