Blue Russian Vaseline Beads

Blue Russian Vaseline Beads

These Antique Blue Russian Vaseline Beads come in a pale blue color. Traders call these Vaseline beads because their translucence resembles the look of the petroleum product. Craftsmen formed these beads into large bi-conal shapes that are as eye catching as their color! Russian trade beads refers to a specific type of beads with multiple facets. Likewise, Blue Russian trade beads come in varying shades and hues of blue. Russian explorers traded Blue Russian Beads to the Native Americans in Alaska and Canada starting in the 1700's. Russian traders may have purchased them directly from traders in Europe, or possibly from the Hudson Bay Company. Both the Vaseline and Blue Russian Beads likely originated in Czechoslovakia.

History of Trade Beads

From the 15th to the 20th century, traders carried European glass beads across the world. The beads were highly desired by Native Americans, as glass was then an unknown substance in North American. European glass beads, mostly from Venice, became popular and sought after by Native Americans. Europeans realized early on that beads were important to Native Americans and corporations such as the Hudson Bay Trading Company developed lucrative bead-trading markets with them. The Hudson Bay Trading Company was an organized group of explorers who operated during the 19th century. They ventured into the North American continent for trade expeditions.
This strand has 61 beads and measures 24" long. These beads are on average 3/8" wide.
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Categories: BeadsTrade Beads

SKU: 2222-002-509

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