Beadwork is an art form that has a long tradition in Native American cultures. The use of glass beads by Native Americans began after contact with Europeans. It has been suggested exposure to glass beads first occurred with Christopher Columbus.1 Known as trade beads, pony beads and seed beads, glass beads were first manufactured in and around Venice. Glass beads come in a myriad of colors, with popular colors being blue, green, red, white, and black, and are used in weaving and applique techniques, although some larger beads can be strung on the ends of fringes or necklaces. All manners of items, from clothing and containers to ceremonial pieces, are decorated using beads. Beadwork continues to be created today by Native Americans using traditional methods.