The History of Beads
The exhibition presents a "time-line" of hundreds of original bead examples and their origins in time and place from 40 000.BCE until today. This showcases the originals in a display curated by Jamey Allen and the time-line first developed by researcher, Jamey Allen.
The Language of Beads
An introduction to the terminology used by bead researchers, collectors, traders and crafters to describe the vast variety of bead types, shapes and makes that make up this common language of reference for the specialist and bead enthusiast.
Beads from Nature
The rich diversity of beads fashioned from
the natural materials of the earth using examples from the cultures of the
world. The exhibition is presented in two sections: Organic Materials, or carbon
based sources that include plant and animal based products
Nature has
been the source for human adornment long before recorded history, as is
evidenced by pierced shells found in ancient burial sites. The oldest confirmed
beads are ostrich eggshell, found in the Rift Valley, Kenya dating 37,000 to
39,900 years ago.
Organics refer to carbon-based matter, which are
largely plant and animal materials and/or the products produced by them. Organic
material often decomposes, making the rare occurrence in a primitive burial site
an exceptional find. So highly valued are many organic materials such as shells,
amber, feathers and tusks that they have been used as objects of trade, hence a
form of currency.
Inorganics or non-carbon based materials, are therefore
naturally occurring material, which is non-biological in origin, ex. minerals
and rocks. Carved stone beads and other inorganic materials have been prized for
their beauty and rarity of perceived magical properties from early in human
history.
Observing our physical world, appreciating its beauty and using
it for personal adornment is a part of the universal human experience. The
desire to embellish ourselves seems deeply ingrained, if not for personal
pleasure then for symbolic attributes often expressing a spiritual belief.
Products from nature remind us of our shared stewardship on Earth, all around us
and a part of us. This exhibition shows examples of these products used as
jewelry and trade, bringing distant tribal expressions to us.
Check out MORE information on The Bead Museum web site: www.beadmuseumaz.org or take a trip to:
The Bead Museum - 5754 W. Glenn Dr. - Glendale, Arizona 623-930-7395
Don't forget to drop by The Bead Museum Bead Store for your beads and bead classes.
The Store serves to support The Bead Museum. Many volunteers work there and in The Bead Museum daily. They give their time so we can enjoy the world of beads and learn about History Through Beads.
The many classes taught at The Bead Museum will enable you to make your own beaded jewelry or just learn more about beads.