Beads

: Early beads made from seashells found in North Africa and the Middle East date back over 120,000 years.

: Known as "trade beads," these objects were used as currency and bartered by explorers and merchants for local goods in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. : Early beads made from seashells found in

Beads provide a vital archaeological "language" for tracing human migration and the evolution of complex societies. : The word "bead" itself is derived from

: The word "bead" itself is derived from the Old Germanic and Anglo-Saxon words for "prayer" (e.g., bede ), reflecting their long-standing use in counting prayers, such as in rosaries. Types & Materials

: In many cultures, beads indicate a person's social standing , wealth, or specific tribal affiliation. For example, African royals have historically used specific beadwork as a symbol of power. Types & Materials