Beadwork

Originally, Native American beads were carved from natural materials like shells, coral, turquoise and other stones, copper and silver, wood, amber, ivory, and animal bones, horns, and teeth. Glass beads were not used until the colonists brought them from Europe 500 years ago, but like horses, they quickly became part of American Indian culture. Today glass beads, particularly fine seed beads, are the primary materials for traditional beaders of many tribes.  There are as many different Native American beading traditions, designs, styles and stitches as there are tribes and nations.  At the Woodland Indian Art Gallery you will find a wide variety of beaded artwork from pouches to moccasins to jewelry.