Collecting Ancient Glass Beads
- Date: 2007-08-08 - Word Count: 411
Share This!
Long before gemstones were faceted or pearls were cultured, ancient glass beads ranked on a par with the most precious gems. Beads of all kinds have been traded, collected, and treasured throughout human history. Beads are one of the oldest forms of art. They have been used for tens of thousands (some say hundreds of thousands) of years. A tenth century Arab once said that the Vikings would "go to any length to get hold of colored beads". Certainly colored beads of flame worked glass from Birka, native amber and jet, carnelian and silver imported from India and Iran via Islamic and traders, rock crystal, garnet, amethyst, gold, and bronze were other types of beads highly prized by people from the ancient world. The word bead comes from the Anglo Saxon words bidden (to pray) and bede (prayer.)
Collecting ancient glass beads is a field of growing popular interest. Glassmaking originated in the Syro-Palestine area around the third millennium BC and was developed in Egypt in 1330 BC. The Phoenicians became the greatest glassmakers and exporters of the ancient world. Chemistry for the coloration of glass was already in place during the reign of Tutankhamun in Egypt (circa 1330 B.C.), and colored glass was heavily exploited for furniture and architectural inlay for several centuries thereafter. Although the Romans had nothing to do with the invention of glass, during the first century A.D. they did play a primary role in the industrialization of the glassmaking process in the Mediterranean world.
The glass seed beads, sometimes referred to as trade beads, played an important, if not somewhat of an ignominious role in the colonization of North America. Columbus' first trade with the people of the Americas was done with the use of red hats and string beads to gain the confidence and admiration of the indigenous people. October 12, 1492, Columbus recorded in his logbook that the natives of San Salvador Island were given red caps and glass beads. This is the earliest written record of glass beads in the Americas.
With the exploration and settlement of the New World, the demand for beads grew higher and higher. Explorers, traders and missionaries had great use for beads as a unit of exchange with the people of the New World, and Africa. Beads are not just adornment! No, beads have been used by mankind for centuries, and not even just modern mankind. This makes them a fascinating and popular item to collect especially the ancient glass beads.
Collecting ancient glass beads is a field of growing popular interest. Glassmaking originated in the Syro-Palestine area around the third millennium BC and was developed in Egypt in 1330 BC. The Phoenicians became the greatest glassmakers and exporters of the ancient world. Chemistry for the coloration of glass was already in place during the reign of Tutankhamun in Egypt (circa 1330 B.C.), and colored glass was heavily exploited for furniture and architectural inlay for several centuries thereafter. Although the Romans had nothing to do with the invention of glass, during the first century A.D. they did play a primary role in the industrialization of the glassmaking process in the Mediterranean world.
The glass seed beads, sometimes referred to as trade beads, played an important, if not somewhat of an ignominious role in the colonization of North America. Columbus' first trade with the people of the Americas was done with the use of red hats and string beads to gain the confidence and admiration of the indigenous people. October 12, 1492, Columbus recorded in his logbook that the natives of San Salvador Island were given red caps and glass beads. This is the earliest written record of glass beads in the Americas.
With the exploration and settlement of the New World, the demand for beads grew higher and higher. Explorers, traders and missionaries had great use for beads as a unit of exchange with the people of the New World, and Africa. Beads are not just adornment! No, beads have been used by mankind for centuries, and not even just modern mankind. This makes them a fascinating and popular item to collect especially the ancient glass beads.
Related Tags: egypt, romans, glass beads, collecting, new world, tutankhamun, ancient world, ancient glass beads, glassmaking, third millennium bc, colored glass, phoenicians, explorers, traders and missionaries
Also find ancient Roman gold pendants, rings, necklaces, more beads, Persian rings, Persian necklaces and manuscripts. Plus lots more of ancient jewelry including gold rings, and bracelets. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Kids Halloween Party Ideas
Hard to believe Halloween is just around the corner already. This is a very popular holiday especial - Inexpensive Party Favor Ideas For Party Guests
The cost of a gift is not the most important, but rather the thought behind it. There are different - The Major Benefits of Watching Funny Videos
Funny videos have gained a wide audience all over the world. This is due to the impact it has made i - Handy Things to Know About Concert Tickets
There are a lot of people that spend time and money going to concerts. This makes knowing the facts - Travel Magazine And How To Pick Up A Good Copy
Many people enjoy reading magazines. They are a quick read and can be picked up in many locations. M - Planning the Infamous Holiday Office Party
Ok, so you're in charge of planning the infamous holiday office party. If you've ever seen the TV sh - How to Choose Songs That Are Suited to Your Voice - So You Always Sound Fantastic!
Hello singers! In this article, you'll learn how to choose songs that compliment your voice… so you - Host a Professional Halloween Quiz This Halloween
If you are having a bunch of friends around for Halloween, why not give them a Halloween Quiz? If yo - Discovering How Popular Horror Movies Can Enhance Halloween Fun
Throwing a Halloween party? Why not make it a night with themes from popular horror movies? For, wit - The Art Of The French Revolution
The art of pre-revolutionary France was decidedly frivolous in its subject matter and deliciously de
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Complete Defenition of the 3D
3D computer graphics as seen on FaceYourArt.comA 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion - Unlimited Movie Downloads Tips - Pick the Best, Dump the Rest
Unlimited movie downloads have made it much easier for busy folks like us to watch our favorite movi - Get Your Alliance Character To 60 In A Week
You may have looked around on the internet for WoW power leveling guides and come up empty-handed or - Why Do We Gamble?
Why do People Gamble? Gambling is a past-time activity enjoyed by many people. Some play at hom - Video Poker (jacks or Better) Tips
Video poker made its entry in the 1970s. It has proven to be a popular form of gaming. Video poker o - Top 7 Video Games For Children Ages 5 - 8
Many parents worry about the video games available to children today with all the violence. However - Why I Love Strategy Games
A strategy game is one in which the skills of the play and his decision making combine to influence - Prison Break's Wentworth Miller: I'm not Gay
In an attempt to put a stop to the lingering gossip and to clarify his name once and for all, Wenthw - Guys, Valentine's Day will be Heaven or Hell for you...
Guys, I know it's not fashionable to get ahead of yourself for holidays. I don't buy Christmas gift - Comparing 6 String And 12 String Guitars
6-string or 12-string Acoustic guitar, which should you get? Both have pros and cons, and both are e