A chain includes a plurality of identical link elements each including a main body part with a cantilevered connecting part integrally formed at one end thereof. The connecting part includes an enlarged rounded head portion (34A) and a narrower neck portion (35) extending between the head portion (34A) and the main body (32) part. The main body part has a rounded recess (36) and a narrow slot (37) formed in a first surface thereof. The slot (37) adjoins an end of the recess opposite the connecting element. The slot (37) extends from the recess to adjoin a side surface of the main body. Confining sections (38) extend from the surface of the main body adjacent the slot (37) so as to overlie opposite sides of the recess. The recess (36), slot (37) and confining sections (38) together define an opening in the first surface which has substantially the same shape as the connecting element. The chain is formed by inserting the connecting part of one link element into the recess of an adjacent link element and pivoting the one link element about its head portion such that its neck portion is received in the slot of the adjacent link element and its head portion is captured in the recess by the overlying confining sections.