WHAT IS A BEAD?

 

A bead is an object that can be strung to adorn or decorate a person, thing, or place.  From early beginning people have worn beads to proclaim their identity, status, and kinship; to bedazzle others and to please themselves.  Beads have been used to tally property, pay for goods, and record events. 

 

Beads invoke protection and well-being.  They declare power and wealth.  They tell of those who make them, wear them, pray, pledge, love, mourn and celebrate with them.

 

Our fundamental human needs have found expression through beads.  They reflect the history of Earth's people and continue to be a part of our lives.