Clay / Ceramic Beads

By Sandra Paluzzi
The Bead Peddler

Clay beads go back centuries, to at least 1000 BC.   I can just imagine the Indians standing on the banks of the Ganghes River scooping up the clay.  Clay was abundant and was the province of the poor.  While the wealthy Europeans  of the late Roman Empire wore precious stones and metals, the migratory tribes people adorned themselves with clay.  Clay beads were produced simultaneously all over the world, including in the Phillippines, Thailand and Peru.  To this day, Peru, China,  Thailand, Greece and India produce a great many ceramic beads. 

Traditionally, clay beads have been used in Muslim prayer strands and Thai amulets as well as in jewelry.  When they were introduced into the United States by the first European settlers, the clay beads were very popular with the Native Americans.  Clay beads have large holes that could accommodate leather thongs so they were used as decoration on horse reins.  Some nations so prize their clay bead heritage that they protect the simple bead from export.  For example, Guatemala has restricted the export of their Mayan ceramic beads. 

Ceramic bead use continues through more current times.  While they have since been replaced by plastic beads, ceramic beads were the New Orleans Mardi Gras beads of the 1920s.   Ceramic beads again become popular in the 'hippie days' of the 60s and 70s when people wanted an earthy feel to their beads.  At that time, many American artists produced beads made of ceramic. 

At least one USA ceramic bead company, Amsbury Ceramics has survived and blossomed since the 60s.  Click on the picture to the left to see a variety of their beads.  Better yet, visit their website to view several trays of beads and get to know the artists, Ray and Michelle.

Ceramic beads are still widely used today for hair decoration, hemp jewelry, clothing fringe, prayer beads and talismans. 

One of the most creative uses I have found for ceramic beads is the add-a-bead pen offered by talented lampwork artist, Michelle Hershman on her website, Enchanting Beads.  Along with the pens, Michelle offers a variety of large holed beads, including these made of ceramic to complete the pen.

Ceramic beads come in a variety of shapes, from the very basic solid colored Indian pony and solid colored Greek disk, to the ornately hand painted and animal shaped beads of Peru.  Many of the popular alphabet beads used in Mother's bracelets are made of ceramic.  Some clay beads are glazed, others are not.

Ceramic beads are widely available all over the web, including on ebay.  One ebay seller, jim-carmen, offers a variety of Peruvian imports, including these ethnic looking hand painted ceramic beads.
I think I have seen ceramic beads in every figural shape possible - from the Traditional Buddha to veggies, animals and dog breeds, to goddesses to motorcycles and airplanes. I've included pictures of two of the more unusual shapes, but it seems like you can get any shape you can imagine.	Ceramic mini carrots Ceramic red VW

References:

The History of Beads from 30,000 BC to The Present, Lois Sherr Dubin.
Beads of the World, Peter Francis, Jr.
Beads An Exploration of Bead Traditions Around the World, Janet Coles and Robert Budwig.

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