Hi Folks,
I have not written about beads in some time. TIME being the appropriate word since probably the most distinct quality of a bauble besides color , shape and size is it’s Era . Like humans , corporations and fads , every bead or jewelry component has a lifeline.
The merit of a bead , on the surface is its Artistic or Artisan value or “status” ( Shout out to Homer Hudson Hillis Jr) . Status on its own merit , is fleeting . We replace our wearables quite frequently . We have the inherent need to evolve. Rarely do we wear a T shirt for 20 years , pull back out that shoe that we retired but thought could Survive a few more days . Most stuff is disposable . A bauble or trinket though, could be with us , literally attached to us : A ring , earring or necklace for eternity. It’s beyond status , it’s story telling .
We all wonder the value of the stuff we have collected or amassed. We thrive on value. It measures , our taste , our intellect and in essence our psyche. A Tribesmen wearing traditional beads has a status among its people . His neighbors though, perhaps , find that it’s just a costume, a decoration , the same way a piercing or a tattoo could be perceived . The value in the end , beyond the supply and demand economic commodity continuum, is personal, Nostalgic. It’s You.
I like looking at my bead collection. As a city dweller it’s one of the few collectible items that can be contained in a small space. When I look at other people’s postings of beads , often I’m aloof . It’s a bit like , never hearing a piece of music previously. I cannot place myself next to that piece of art . I do appreciate the posting , the story and the passion to convey its importance . It’s status in your life. There is a familiarity in the notes but the composition in not quite complete yet. Beads are a commodity, beads are very personal , nostalgic and story telling . Their Current status , unless there is a “For Sale” sign belongs to the owner. The stories connected are priceless.
PBeads
