5 Lewis and Clark Venetian Trade Beads
Description
Lewis and Clark trade beads are historically significant artifacts associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which took place from 1804 to 1806. These beads played a crucial role in the expedition's interactions with Native American tribes, serving as trade items and diplomatic gifts. The beads were typically small, colorful, and made from various materials, including glass. European beadmakers produced them specifically for trade with Indigenous peoples. Lewis and Clark carried a substantial quantity of these trade beads as a form of currency and a means to establish friendly relations with the tribes they encountered on their journey through the American West. Today, these beads are not only important relics of early American history but also represent the complex cultural exchanges between European settlers and Native American communities during the exploration of the Western frontier.
You are purchasing 5 beads
Bead Size
10-12 mm diameter, 21-25 mm p-p. See picture with penny for size comparison.
133111
Approximate Age: Late 19th to Mid 20th Century
People: Venetian
Country of Origin: Italy
Size Details
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good to fair. Some of these beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners.