History of Beads | Thrive: Traditions S6 • E6

Since time immemorial, Chickasaws have been crafting, wearing and trading different types of beads. Some were created to show a person's place within the clan system while others had ceremonial or ornamental purposes.

Some of the oldest beads found in the Chickasaw homelands date back to the Middle Archaic period 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. Many of these stone effigy beads are adorned with animal carvings that likely correspond to various clans within the Chickasaw social organization. By studying these beads, researchers have found evidence of tools and skills that they previously did not know existed in the Middle Archaic period.

Glass trade beads were first introduced to Chickasaw ancestors in 1540-1541 with the Hernando de Soto expedition. "They're culturally significant, they're historically significant and they're still significant to our society today," says Director of Anthropology LaDonna Brown. Beginning in the 16th century, Chickasaws created and traded a variety of beads, including big blues, rattlesnake beads and cornaline d'aleppo.

"These beads are a tangible link to our ancestors' lives centuries ago and we have a responsibility to preserve them, protect them, learn from them and share that knowledge with Chickasaws today," says Director of Chickasaw Archeology Brad R. Lieb, Ph.D.

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