Pre-1400
1400-1800
1800-1950
1950-Now

BLUE PADRES Antique Trade Beads Native American Indian

BLUE PADRES Antique Trade Beads Native American Indian
Time left: (10/16/2008 1:51:06 PM) Seller:
Bids: 6 terrisbooks
Current Bid: USD 3.75
There's a fascinating story about these beads. Originally transported by the Hudson Bay Company from Europe to the United States. These beads made the original trip by the Lewis Clark expedition to the Northwest. Through an Indian squaw translator, the mountain men learned that the beads the tribes desired most were these blue padres. They loved them for their color, which they likened to the sky. The natives also wanted these beads because they have wide holes. Handmade from glass, these beads were easy to string on their brain tanned leather buckskin fringe which is seen today on their jackets, bags, medicine man pouches. The Fur Trade era men at first had no idea which beads the tribes would like, so they brought all kinds. But these were pretty much the favorite beads, the one that started the whole bead trading adventure. So I carry them and offer them because they are part of our American history. You get a set of 10 beads. These are antique, more than 100 years old. They have signs of age, and character, some more worn than others, some with brown spots here and there, but most a beautiful shade of blue. Beads are 1/4 inch wide and 3/8 inch in diameter. The hole inside is big enough to fit a shoestring or fine cord through. The combined length of the 10 beads is about 2 1/2 inches. I have more in my store with a buy it now if you'd like them. These are great for making tribal inspired and ethnic jewelry. They have a very handsome look and a fantastic color.