Beads of Bali

To most beaders, seed beads are small, machine-made beads, perfectly formed and available in a uniform size. Historically, all beads were handmade and in Indonesia small seed beads continue to be made by hand. These tiny beads are usually used in embroidery and other kinds of woven beadwork.

Indonesian seed beads are typically sold by the strand and are round, but not perfectly so, with some variation in coloring. To our eyes, they are much more beautiful than modern seed beads. They have an authenticity that cannot come out of a machine.

Dubin (1995) reports that seed beads were introduced into Indonesia by Indian traders in the first century A.D. She notes that seed beads were especially likely to be used in textiles and costumes used in ritualistic ceremonies.

Seed beads continue to be used in woven bead work. One of our favorite home decor items is a baby carrier made on the island of Borneo that is beautifully decorated with small seed beads.

Reference

Dubin, L.S. (1995). The History of Beads. New York: Harry N. Abrams.

Related

Gallery of Indonesian Glass Seed Beads