American Indian Beads & Beadwork

The tradition of American Indian beadwork is one of the oldest and most beloved artistic traditions to emerge from North American history. From ceremonial display to cultural chronicling, American Indian beadwork conveys the richness of the American Indian art historical past.

For generations, American Indian tribes have incorporated beads and beadwork into their accessories. From leather pouches and necklaces to more elaborate papooses, beaded accents enlivened these pieces, typically constructed from animal hide, with additional adornment. Originally, these beaded accents were conjured using organic materials, such as shells, but the introduction to North America of the glass seed bead by the 16th century changed American Indian beading practices entirely.

The more regularized bead shape, combined with the wide array of available colors, inspired American Indian artisans to create increasingly elaborate and colorful designs. It is these motifs that are perhaps most recognizable today and that offer a glimpse of the evolution of American Indian design over recent centuries.

Quick Facts

• Some of the most coveted beads in early American Indian tradition were the purple and white beads, or "wampum," honed from quahog and whelk shells, respectively, created originally by the Eastern Woodlands peoples
• Contrary to popular belief, “wampum” was not a form of money, though when strung together they were considered an elegant gift or symbol of political power
• The early glass beads received by American Indians were most likely originally created in the great glass-making locale of Venice, which had been experiment with beads since the 14th century