Beads Help Tell the Story of Ancient Native Americans

Beads have stood the test of time lasting, in some cases, for thousands of years. In prehistoric times, the descendants of Native Americans used the Native American beaded cuff bracelet and other types of beads as adornment in jewelry as well as a way to trade. The way the beads are crafted also said a lot about the methods and culture of the people of the time.

• The History Of The Native American Beads

Something more certain is the fact that beads have a long history with Native American people. From the materials they used to how the beads were incorporated in their daily lives, everything tells a story. Some tribes like the Navajo have “story bead” necklaces and also Navajo silver cuff bracelet where symbols and figures were carved into flat pieces of turquoise or some other type of stone, and strung with other beads. Mothers of the Native Americans then used the necklaces to illustrate stories and handed down from generation to generation.

• Materials Used In Making Beads

Most of the Native American beads were made from wood and bone. The materials were sturdy and long-lasting. The beads were also easily fashioned and carved into different styles and designs. Semi-precious stones like turquoise were and still are often used in making Native America jewelry, along with shells that are also another popular material in crafting beads for adornment purposes.

• The Belief Behind Beads

In early days, some tribes believed that fashioning the beads was a sacred task. In others, it was found that only the women were allowed to create the beads. Regardless of who could or could not make the beads, there were a variety of processes that could be used.

Today, beads hold a fascination for many hobbyists. It is not only because of the history that the beads have but also because of the vast array of choices available. The white settlers, glass beads and metals like copper and silver are now incorporated into jewelry design, which also makes beads a popular part of jewelry.