ALASKAN NATIVE AMERICAN COBALT FACETED RUSSIAN BLUE GLASS ANTIQUE TRADE EADS

Strung on hand-cut American Buffalo leather.

This strand of beads measures about  27" long. 

Most historians believe that Blue Russian Trade Beads were first made by craftsmen in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). During the late 1700s, trade caravans made their way across Eastern Europe and Russia, gradually distributing these glass beads throughout the continent. The worth of Blue Russian Trade Beads back then was based on their size; larger beads were considered more valuable. These beads were primarily used as a form of currency between Alaskan Natives and Russian traders. Alaskan Natives frequently exchanged Sea Otter Pelts, Whale Blubber, Furs, and various other goods and services for Blue Russian Trade Beads. At that time, these beads gained immense popularity and were traded globally.