Native American Indian beaded jewelry has a long history with Native American Tribes. Archeologists today continue to locate beads over a thousand years old at various excavation sites around the country.
From the information they gather, Native beaded jewelry was a common form of trade in a barter system. Today, people recognize Native American Indian beaded jewelry for its unique beauty and elegant design.
Native American Indian Beaded Jewelry in History
Native American Indian beaded jewelry was a way to pass down stories to younger generations. Each bead was hand carved and had a significant meaning. Most Native beaded jewelry was made of turquoise, bone, wood, rock or shells. These materials were solid and long lasting.
Once settlers came to the land, they introduced glass beads to the Native Americans. The glass beads provided another way to display family stories and traditions. The glass beads were colorful and different from the traditional beads. Many tribes delegated the sacred skill of making beads to only a few people in the group.
Native American Indian Beaded Jewelry Today
Beaded jewelry is still extremely popular today. Visit any Native American tribal area and there will be a number of stores selling it. Technology of today makes the jewelry more available and internet users can even order it online. Native beaded jewelry of today consists mostly of multi-colored glass beads, turquoise stones and some silver.
Leather backing or stranded beads are the most common jewelry styles in Native American Indian beaded jewelry today. In modern society, people purchase Native American Indian beaded jewelry due to heritage purposes, personal significance or for its sheer beauty. Both men and women alike can find a unique piece of beaded Jewelry to complete any outfit.
Today’s Uses for Native American Indian Beaded Jewelry
Today’s uses for Native beaded jewelry differs from the historical uses. Today, most people buy the jewelry to adorn an outfit or for decoration. Native American Indian beaded jewelry consists of earrings, rings, necklaces, medallions, belts, barrettes and bracelets. Men can find wallets, knife cases and bolo ties made with intricate beading and beautiful covers.
People searching for beaded jewelry for cultural heritage purposes can locate the specific tribe’s jewelry through an internet search. There is no question beaded jewelry will continue to be a very popular item.