Beads Around the World

From many corners of the planet beads have a trail. Starting from some of the very first beads found in a cave in France occupied by the neaderthal people over 38,000 years ago, made from teeth and shells. As time passed trade routes were very prominent in the Far East, some of the most prized beads like coral, lapis, and glass were spread to surrounding countries from Afghanistan and Egypt. During the middle ages prayer and mala beads became popular in Europe and the Middle East and used for religious practices. Stones and natural sources that were comonly used varied from seeds, amber, bone, agate to wood. Africa was rich in bone, shell, clay, and glass beads. Some of the first and oldest manufactured beads were ostrich shell dating back to 50,000 years old from Tanzania and Southern Africa. In West Africa "One Bodom" a glass bead, has been appraised as one of the most valuable beads sold today. Jade also ranks high in value and one of the most desired beads to be collected. Nephrite Jade, which was the very first jade, discovered in China, dates back to 3400-2250 BC. Jade was and still is known as the "Emperor's Stone. It was used in ceremonies, decorations, jewelry and even furnishings in the homes of the wealthy. Because this stone was so highly valued, it was mined out of its found origin. Another reason why it is so valuable today. Jadeite, which is a harder, denser stone, was discovered in the area of Berma in the 14th century. One of the most commonly traded beads is known as " African Trade Beads". They were created by stripes from glass cane molded and cut into solid colors. Over time, beads were traded and valued very much like we use money today. The history is dense, and the more that has been discovered from archeologists throuout the years, the more we learn about the people and cultures they came from.