Beads

Beads can be classified by their material composition and physical form. Beads: The World’s First Jewelry - GIA

: Known as "trade beads," these objects were used as currency and bartered by explorers and merchants for local goods in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Beads can be classified by their material composition

: Early beads made from seashells found in North Africa and the Middle East date back over 120,000 years. : In many cultures, beads indicate a person's

: In many cultures, beads indicate a person's social standing , wealth, or specific tribal affiliation. For example, African royals have historically used specific beadwork as a symbol of power. Types & Materials : The word "bead" itself is derived from

Beads provide a vital archaeological "language" for tracing human migration and the evolution of complex societies.

: The word "bead" itself is derived from the Old Germanic and Anglo-Saxon words for "prayer" (e.g., bede ), reflecting their long-standing use in counting prayers, such as in rosaries.