Lakota Beaded Necklaces and PendantsShopping < All Jewelry < Necklaces < Stone Necklaces < | ||
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About BeadsBeads used by Native American artists are usually round but can be flattened (rondelle) or cylindrical. They are usually made of glass and come in a variety of colors. Most are one solid color except for European Trade Beads, which are mulit-colored and sometimes decorated. Beads are measured by the "aught" system with 1/0, pronounced "one aught", being the largest. The larger the number the smaller the bead.
Seed beads are the smallest round beads, 24/0 to 4/0. 24/0 is approx. 1/32 inch
(about the size of a grain of sand). Seed beads are used mainly for beaded items
and embroidery. Most contemporary high-quality seed beads are made in the Czech Republic, Japan or India.
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The Story of Prison PendantsSome Lakota
inmates in South Dakota jails have the talent and skill - and time - to produce
really fine beadwork with buckskin backing. Some of the best beaders are older
men serving life sentences. Beading supplies are provided by an inmate's family
and when a number of beaded items are finished the family contacts Lakota artist
and pipemaker Alan Monroe (read about Alan below). Alan pays the family for the
items he wants and the family uses the money to purchase gift boxes through the
prison for the beader. Gift boxes contain food and other commissary items and
that is how the beaders get compensated for their work. When Alan receives the
beaded items he adds a pendant hanger and one of his hand crafted bead necklaces. |
