American Indian Art Auctions: Beadwork

Having knowledge of beadwork market is essential to be successful at understanding American Indian Art auctions

Of all of the different American Indian artwork created through the ages, beadwork seems to stand out as one of the most historic as well as intricate. Native American peoples have been handcrafting beads for various reasons, including artwork, for thousands of years. Even today, Native Americans still create beads and jewelry made from beads for both art as well as practical reasons. Most bead factories in the United States are in the West where Native American honed the craft of creating beads from stones and other natural substances.

Most early American Indian beadwork has symbolism attached. The stones or bones that were used in the beads usually were of some significance in the tribe. Those who were leaders or warriors might wear different beads than others. Native American women often wove beads in patterns that were used in dress as well as in furnishings.

We often think of Native Americans living in Tepees and roaming the plains. This is true only of the plains Indians, such as the Sioux Nation who were nomadic people. Most American Indians, however, lived in structures that were crafted from the earth and did not move from place to place. Beadwork was not only used in clothing but also as artwork for these early people.

The art of beadwork as used by Native Americans has been handed down from generations. This art is widely coveted today and ancient Indian Art auctions that feature beadwork usually draw quite a crowd. Today, beads are usually made in Asia and of artificial ingredients. Beads that are made of natural stone or other natural materials fetch a pretty penny on the market. When viewing ancient American Indian art, however, you will find all natural beadwork that was painstakingly handcrafted from stones, bones and other materials.

One nation that was particularly adept at handcrafting beads out of animal materials and stones were the Iroquois. They often used beads as a form of payment. There is an old legend in the United States that Manhattan Island was purchased from the Indians with a few necklaces of beads. Today, Manhattan Island is priceless. But the beads that were crafted by the Native Americans of long ago, although not nearly as pricey as New York City, can also gather a great deal on the auction block.

American Indian art auctions often feature beadwork from early peoples who sculpted handcrafted beads out of horns and hooves of animals as well as from rocks in the ground. These artifacts are priceless and exquisite in construction and detail. This is especially interesting in that the early people had very little from which to work. The beads were strung using sinew, which is made from animal skin. This process took a very long time and the beadwork was all performed by hand.

Today we see beads that are all made by machines as well as beadwork that is also manufactured by machines or in factories. If we want to string beads or even weave them, we can purchase kits to make this easy. The early Native Americans, however, learned this craft without the help of any modern technology.

Early Native American beadwork usually goes for large sums in art auctions. Many of these items are beads that were strung together for decorative or ornamental purposes. Others were used as a form of currency. Still others were used to keep track of dates and details. Native Americans saw the value in beads early on and used them in many different ways. Even today, Native American people still can create beadwork that it intricate and beautifully designed. Although the beads that are used today are manufactured in factories, they can create intricate designs when woven with other beads.

Even individually, handmade American Indian beads are widely coveted by art collectors. Native Americans were well versed in making things of beauty from the land and the animals that lived on the land as they believed very strongly that man and nature were one and should be respected. American Indian beadwork is one of the earliest forms of reflection of their art and creativity.

Even after 40 years of watching art auctions, you will still be surprised by new developments in the industry