History of Beads
Introduction:
Beads make the perfect item to study the history of almost any civilization in the world. Beads have been dated back over 30,000 years, starting from the simple sea shells with holes purposely added to them, to our modern day bead. This article is meant to be a brief look into the history of what has evolved into a modern day trend and hobby. I hope to give you a greater appreciation for beads and their history along with an extensive reference list to obtain a more in-depth history of beads.
Beads have played a major role in societies since the beginning of man where they have been spiritual, magical amulets with protective powers, items of trade - treated as gold and exchanged like modern day currency. Beads have been indicators of wealth and beauty; they have been adored and treasured by generation after generation.
This love affair with beads is what has preserved the bead since its creation 30,000 years ago. The more we love and cherish an item the better preserved for the future it often becomes. Beads have been buried with the dead in culture after culture as far back as we can date the beginning of the evolution of Homo sapiens.
History of Beads Links & References
