The glass trade beads in this collection are classed by the following physical attributes. This system will enable researchers to locate beads in the collection for comparison purposes with other collections. The beads are individually bagged and filed by order of catalog number. The catalog number is the number assigned to each artifact as it is listed in the archaeology site log.
Manufacture
Drawn – Glass is drawn into long tube while in viscid state.
Wound – Glass is wound around wire while molten.
Structure
Simple – Beads composed of a single, undecorated layer of glass
Compound – Beads composed of two or more, undecorated layers of glass
Shape
Tubular – A bead of any length, if ends are cut or broken and not altered by “tumbling.” If ends have been rounded, any bead that’s length exceeds the diameter.
Circular – Ring shaped with diameters equal to or greater than their lengths.
Round – Spheroidal
Facetted – Sides have been flattened into five or more sides.