Vaseline Beads Translucent Red

Vaseline Beads Translucent Red

Vaseline Beads Translucent Red

These Antique Vaseline Beads come in a translucent red color. Traders call them Vaseline beads because their translucence resembles the look of the petroleum product. Craftsmen formed these Vaseline beads into large bi-conal shapes that are as eye catching as their color! Vaseline 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.
There are 66 uniform beads on this strand. Each bead measures 3/8" long by 5/8" wide. For further reading about Vaseline beads, check out this article by Hillary Schwartz.
One of a Kind!
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This item has sold but we have archived it for reference purposes. You may find a similar item available at WanderingBull.com. Please click on the links below to see what we have currently in stock.

We are always interested in buying Native American collections and One of a Kind items. For more information please call us 800-430-2855 or email Chris Bullock at chris@wanderingbull.com

Categories: BeadsTrade Beads

SKU: 2222-002-506

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