Trade Beads
About this object
History of use
Beads were extensively traded on the Northwest Coast from early trading contacts, throughout the 19th century. Facetted ultra-marine beads were commonly obtained in the north, from Russian traders, and the red beads were a typical Hudson's Bay Company item. Seed beads were common everywhere.
Narrative
The red and white beads are commonly called 'Hudson Bay beads' or cornaline d'allepo, and the facetted blue beads are called Russian beads, although they (and others) were probably made in Italy, France, or Czechoslovakia and distributed through various European cities, including Brussels. (The plastic string was added at acquisition.)
Cultural context
Exchange; adornment.
Date Made
Before 1935
Date Acquired
31 Aug 1976
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Barnabus Cortland and Ida Freeman CollectionMore...
Measurements
32.5 x 0.6 cm
Object Number
Nb644