Before the Europeans came to the North American Continent, the native Indian women dyed various seeds and pieces of wood and porcupine quills to use as decoration on robes,
garments, and other items, such as belts, leggings, pouches or medicine bags, moccasins, war bonnets, hairpieces, cradle boards, knife sheaths, and necklaces.
There were some animal teeth, shells, and certain bones that were highly prized. The quill work occurred only in North America and no where else.

With the arrival of the Europeans, came the glass bead. Historians believe Manhattan Island was traded for about 24 pounds of glass beads.
The Hudson Bay Co. traded glass beads and blankets for fur pelts. Bead trading progressed very quickly to the Plains Indians and the West Coast tribes.

As gold and silver coins and paper money appeared, glass beads were replaced. Glass beads were no longer considered to be something of great value;
however, today, when they are placed on an evening dress or costume, the garment becomes very expensive.
The garment increases even more significantly if you are able to purchase original, old glass beads.

Native American Indian beadwork is a very popular item in anyone's collection. Intricately beaded pieces of clothing, moccasins,
and ceremonial head dresses are striking, and make a nice addition to any Native American Indian collection.
Historic pieces of Native American Indian beadwork may be found in museums across the country.
These exhibits include fabulous displays of early beadwork with beads made from seeds, beans, nuts, shells, bones, teeth, rocks,
quills, claws, pearls, turquoise, coral, silver, gold, and other natural items.

There are a number of Native American beadwork traditions across the country, each style is unique in the beading design, style,
color, and type of stitch used. Early beadwork used designs and colors that were greatly influenced by the tribal community as
well as the color of beads that were available at the time. A variety of colors were available for designing by the 1800s.

Native American Indian beadwork artists use a variety of tiny glass beads in a many different colors, and they sometimes combine
them with natural crystals and semi-precious gemstones. Native American jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, chokers, bracelets,
purses, and beaded clothing items, such as moccasins or ghost shirts are very popular.
Native American Indian beadwork is intricate and beautiful and can be displayed on your collectible wall to add to your home decor.

Our collection of beadwork features authenticated Native American artists that we can provide verification of authenticity.