That History of Beads Part 1

HISTORY OF BEADS

MINI SERIES PART 1

Present in all cultures and at all times throughout history, beads have a fascinating story which spans the globe. We explore the world over. Looking at the areas from which beads are originate and examine how beads are used, as a form of money, and as a show of wealth and power.

The origins of beads

Beads have been made on all continents since they first appeared over 40,000 years ago. Initially using local materials, many regions developed specific bead designs and techniques. These spreading during times of migration such as under the ...

Roman Empire

With the discovery of new continents by explores such as Marco Polo and through trading, especially from the 15th century onwards when the world was flooded with European beads. Because of the movement of beads and techniques, the exact origins of the bead and the route on which it may have traveled can be difficult to trace.

THE AMERICAS
South and Central America have long, sophisticated bead-making traditions. North America's native beads made from the materials such as quill and wampum, were replaced by imported European beads when the continent was colonized.
North American beads was introduced to the Americas by traders and explores such Columbus, whose first act on landing in 1492 was to offer beads to the Arawak Indians. Featured in Indian bead work are rocailles, and bugles turquoise, coral and silver. True freshwater pearls are found in the Mississippi river basin.

European
Bead making, present in France since 38,000 BC, flourished with the Romans, Byzantines, and Vikings.

Northern Europe

British whitby jet beads exported since the Roman occupation, were most popular in the Victoria era. Today top quality beads are made from local woods and porcelain. Amber is native to the Baltic coast Indistinguishable from Venetian glass, many beads were made in Amsterdam circa 1550-1750 and imported into Africa and North America.

France

In Oyonnax, southern France, the plastic bead trade replaced the 19th century horn industry. Greece produces silver filigree worried beads and colorful and decorated ceramics. Italy: The Roman glass industry evolved into a bead center on the Venetian island Murano, which dominated the world bead trade from the Renaissance. Millefiori, chevron, seed beads, and decorated lampwork typify the tradition. The export trade in glass bars explains the similarity between beads from different countries. Coral has been carved for centuries in Naples.

Part 2 in the HISTORY OF BEADS, we will discuss Beads from Central Europe, Japan China and other parts of the Far East.

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