The History of Beads: From 100,000 B.C. to the Present, Revised and Expanded Edition by Lois Sherr Dubin

Once a classic, always a classic. And better, when it’s substantially revised and updated. Dubin elevates her 22-year-old labor of love with major additions to her first chapter (thanks to archaeological finds in Peru and Georgia) and her last, with contemporary bead combinations worthy of a museum collection. Her scholarship is impeccable, as are the maps illustrating every period’s gem/bead sources. Natural jeweled wonders of the world—amber and pearls—occupy their own chapters; so do every major continent and special bead chronology. Plenty of full-color photographs populate every chapter, allowing readers to read the pictures (and learn the story) without benefit of words. Don’t forget the eight-page gatefold (plus four indexes) showing the time line of beads throughout history. Still a champion two decades later. --Barbara Jacobs

Reader Reviews
What a treasure Lois Sherr Dubin has given us! In these turbulent and uncertain times, her latest book enables us to become enmeshed in the fascinating world of extraordinary beads while we leave our strife behind. We travel the circuitous routes of trade from ancient Mesopotamia to Egypt and the Indus Valley from 2500 BC to 1600 BC; from 7500 BC to 1800 BC we read of the trade from Southeast Asia to the South Pacific. The Roman World, Europe, Asia, The Far East, North and South America--all are mapped in full color with dates and exact designations of beads that were transported among the cultures of each era and area.To accompany these maps, the author goes into great detail not only about the beads themselves but of the relationships they played in the religious, economic and cultural lives of each group. Included is an exquisite eight page fold-out illustrating the historical panorama of beads. We are treated to over 400 photographs of dazzling beaded ornaments from the earliest times to present day. Especially exciting are the inventive and unique necklaces and bead work from contemporary artists. The photography is astounding; to view it is to have a definitive sensuous experience. This updated version of the 1987 "History of Beads" begins with the very latest discovery of the world's oldest beads--approximately 108,000 BC at Skhul Cave on Mount Carmel in present day Israel "at about the time Homo Sapiens populations were replacing the Neanderthals and developing new and more complex cultures." The Skhul Cave beads were actually made of shell. This find is of immense importance as some scholars believe that "by at least 100,00 BC Homo Sapiens evolved in Africa and started expanding into other regions." The use and adornment of shell beads were actually a form of communication which may have led to a system of shared information. This one Insight encourages the reader to delve more deeply into the world of beads, to place its importance in the development of mankind. And to enjoy the artistry and craftsmanship of these most beautiful works of art. Ms. Dubin has given us the opportunity to do it all!!

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