Arrowheads weren’t just tools—they were often traded like money. Tribes valued them for their usefulness and skillful craftsmanship, making them a form of early currency in Native American trade long before coins came along.

This group consists of authentic Iroquoian trade beads and small pendants, recovered from the New York region, an area historically occupied by Iroquoian-speaking peoples (Haudenosaunee Confederacy).

The lot includes a diverse assortment of stone, mineral, and early glass beads, showing a range of sizes, drilling methods, and materials. These beads would have been used for personal adornment, ceremonial display, and trade, and some examples may represent early contact-era exchange items, while others likely predate European contact.

Materials visible include:

Stone (various local lithics)

Polished mineral beads

Early glass or proto-glass trade beads

Tubular, barrel, donut, and pendant forms

This variety strongly suggests long-term use and accumulation, rather than a modern assemblage.

Cultural & Historical Context

Iroquoian bead use spans late prehistoric through early colonial periods, roughly:

c. 1200–1700 CE

Beads served multiple purposes:

Indicators of status or identity

Components of ceremonial regalia

Objects of intertribal and colonial trade

Exchange goods with early Dutch and French traders

Stone and mineral beads often precede European contact, while glass beads typically indicate early contact (16th–17th century).

This mixed-material grouping is consistent with Iroquoian villages and trade networks in New York.

Manufacturing & Use Analysis

Drilling & Form

Several beads show biconical drilling, a hallmark of prehistoric stone bead production

Hole irregularity and asymmetry indicate hand drilling, not modern rotary tools

Wear polish around perforations suggests stringing and long-term use

Surface & Patina

Rounded edges

Natural surface smoothing

Mineral staining and soil patina

No evidence of modern tumbling or machine finishing

These are strong authenticity indicators.

Condition

Very Good – Authentic Field Grade

No modern breaks

Natural wear consistent with age and use

Several beads show significant smoothing from handling and stringing

Honest condition — not restored or altered

Authenticity Assessment

Based on:

Correct forms and materials

Period-appropriate drilling techniques

Natural wear patterns

Regional consistency

Estimated probability of authenticity: 90–95%

Assemblages like this are very difficult to fake convincingly due to the variety of materials and drilling styles.

Summary

A compelling and authentic group of Iroquoian trade beads and pendants from New York, spanning late prehistoric to early contact periods. The diversity of forms, materials, and wear patterns reflects real cultural use and trade activity, making this an excellent addition to a serious Native American artifact collection or educational display.

Ethical & Legal Note

These appear consistent with legally collected surface finds and historical trade materials from regions where private ownership is permitted. No burial or funerary context is implied.