Lot 32, Auction 4/20/2026: Native American Blue Glass Padre Trade Bead Necklace

$325.00

In stock

Native American, Western United States, likely Pacific Northwest Coast tribes, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A strand of vivid sky-blue glass beads, spherical and softly rounded, displaying the luminous coloration highly valued by Indigenous communities of the Northwest Coast. These beads, commonly known as Padre or Chief’s beads, were among the most sought-after trade items introduced through European contact, prized for their intense blue hue and visual impact. Historical accounts note that during the Lewis and Clark expedition, large quantities of glass beads were carried for trade, with solid blue and white examples proving especially desirable, often exchanged in specific sizes and counts for substantial numbers of beaver pelts. The beads are gathered and strung on a modern wire with a lobster clasp for wearability. Size of strand: 23″ L (58.4 cm); bead: 0.4″ W (1 cm)

Condition: Pitting and abrasions, with several larger chips on a few. Strung in modern times and wearable.

Provenance: private Royal Oak, Michigan, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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