The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-05-20
THE BEAD ANCIENT
AND MODERN
The Antiquity and Modern
Uses of the Bead
An Interesting Paper on the Subject Of Beads,
Outlining their Antiquity, Origin, Develop
meni, Manufacture, and their Place in
Ancient and Modern Arts and Crafts.
Chautauqua Paper S. E. C..

A bead is small perforated ball.
A variety of personal ornament made
of various materials, and is univer-
sally known to all races of the civil
lized and uncivilized world. Upon
entering the vast field of research
pertaining to the subject, we are in
the beginning forced to admit that
the use of beads is of great antiquity.
We will not attempt to unravel his
tories as to their origin, nor will we
accept theories. for--at the conclus-
ion of persistent reference. relative
to their beginning, we find they are
of prehistoric fame. especially if we
wish to eliminate assumption.
Beads were known at very early
date and directly or indirectly re-
suited in the invention of lenses and
mirrors. Egyptian tombs of the
fourth and fifth dynasties, on or about
1000, B. c., show glass blowers at
work. and glazed pottery in the form
of beads occurs in prehistoric
times. In Anglo-Saxon and old
English, the term bead signifed-
prayer, at the conclusion of each
prayer, a bead was placed upon a
thread, and after the numerical re-
quirements were completed, this
string constituted a rosary, which
was an exact account of the number
of prayers repeated.
Among the professions of olden
times, were the beads. men and beads
women, one who prays for another,
and history notes common form of
signature existing at one time, was:
Your bonden beadsman," signify
ing your obedient servant. The
Chinese claim that beads were known
and manufactured by them as far
back as 1000 B. c., but authenicat-
ed statistics expose them as imita-
tors, especially of the agate produc-
ton. The Hindus and Siamese were
never popular as manufacturers of
beads, but used beading as the method
of averting lightning. In Greece,
Homer failed to mention their ex-
istence, but. nevertheless excavation
has produced them. Beads made
their appearance in Italy at the be-
ginning of the Iron Age. However,
they were found by the Italians in
ancient tombs, and their manufac-
ture introduced to the people of
Italy, thence into the Provinces of
Gaul, Spain and Germany; here, as
in Italy. their production grew rap
idly, and were classed as staple
among trades.
At this period the Venetians sur
passed the Romans as manufacturers
of ornamental bead-wares, and spe-
cial merit was awarded workmen
for the skill they demonstrated in
coloring and combining beads on
their various threads.
In the year $50 A. D., bead man
ufacturers focked from fallen Rome
to the East, and supplied all of
Europe with beads until the rise of
Venice. Factories were quickly re-
established, most conspiciously in
Phoenecia; and in few years. they
contrived to be the sole source of
artistic beads, and remained in this
capacity during the middle ages.
At this period the Mosaic produc-
ton developed its greatest glory in
conjunction with Christianity. 1t
had been decided in those days that
Mosaic decorations were the most
essential adornment for eternity.
A. D. 440; these specimens of world
renown were displayed at Raverna,
and were awarded the superiority
medal over all nations. This not
only gave them fame, but caused
the mechanics to be exempt from
the tax levied upon them previously
by the Emperors.