When did seed beads make their way west?

[Clanman92]

When did seed beads make their way west and become a trade item with the Natives? Do whe know when western plains tribes started using them?

 

[Polecat_Tom]

From my research, I would say that seed beads reached the Native Americans as a trade item in the 1840s. There is no evidence that they were a trade item during the rendezvous period of 1825 - 1840.

 

[tenngun]

Do not recall the exact date, about 1840 stamped needles started being produced. And pretty quick after seed beads become real popular.
A trader complained that within one year he couldn’t give away ‘pony beads’

 

[Clanman92]

From my research, I would say that seed beads reached the Native Americans as a trade item in the 1840s. There is no evidence that they were a trade item during the rendezvous period of 1825 - 1840.

Thanks polecat.

 

[Clanman92]

Do not recall the exact date, about 1840 stamped needles started being produced. And pretty quick after seed beads become real popular.
A trader complained that within one year he couldn’t give away ‘pony beads’

That’s a cool bit of info.

 

[Clanman92]

On a side note, I have some beads that are a size 6/0, does anyone know if those would be considered a seed bead size or the larger pony bead size?

 

[Polecat_Tom]

Seed beads are less than 2mm or 10/0
Pony or pound beads are 2 - 4mm or 6/0 - 9/0
Crow beads are 4 - 10mm

 

[Clanman92]

Seed beads are less than 2mm or 10/0
Pony or pound beads are 2 - 4mm or 6/0 - 9/0
Crow beads are 4 - 10mm

Thanks