Canadian Historic Sites: Occasional Papers in Archaeology and History No. 1

A Classification System for Glass Beads for the Use of Field Archaeologists,

by Kenneth E. and Martha Ann Kidd

Abstract

As a result of examination of numerous collections of glass beads in northeastern North America and elsewhere, and as a result of a study of the procedures used in their manufacture, the authors propose a classification and nomenclature which they hope will permit exact descriptions and a reference base for all beads found in archaeological excavations. New bead types may be added to the system which is expansible to accommodate all possible variations.

Preface

Archaeologists working on sites occupied after the arrival of Europeans in northeastern North America, and indeed in other parts of the continent, frequently encounter glass beads. Describing these beads has proven to be frustrating for most archaeologists, involving the making of fine distinctions as to colour, size, shape and other characteristics between many similar specimens. To date, there has been no completely satisfactory frame of reference, such as has been available in other branches of archaeology, e.g., ceramics. Many classification systems have been set up, but none has proven very useful under field or laboratory conditions, and none has found wide acceptance — a necessary factor if there is to be ready comparison of finds from different sites. It is with some temerity, therefore, that the authors venture to submit one more system of classification to the archaeological community. They do so in the hope that it may be of practical use to those who feel the need of a new system.

Acknowledgements

Research work for this paper was first begun under a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship which the senior author held in 1951-52 for the general study of trade goods among the American Indians of the Northeast. He was later assisted by a grant from the Corning Museum of Glass, given for the study of glass beads in the same area, and by aid toward clerical assistance from the Canada Council. To each of these agencies he wishes to acknowledge a deep debt of gratitude, for without such help the study could not have been carried to completion.

At the outset, virtually all of the important collections, both in private hands and in public museums in the Northeast, were examined by both authors, notes made upon individual specimens, and numerous photographs and drawings made. At later dates, collections in British and European museums were examined, a visit made to the glassworks at Murano, Italy, and archival and library research carried out.

Both authors wish to thank all those who made their collections available for study. Their names are many, and it would be impossible to list them all here, but special thanks are due to one of them, Mr. Charles F. Wray, of West Rush, New York. Mr. Wray not only made his extensive bead collection available to us for study, but also loaned us the specimens which appear on the cover. His interest in the subject and generosity in imparting his hard-won knowledge greatly enhanced the value of the research.

To Dr. Paul N. Perrot, Director of the Corning Museum of Glass, special thanks are due for encouragement and sound advice. The authors wish to emphasize, however, that they alone are responsible for whatever shortcomings the paper may have, as well as for any errors which may occur.