This temporary exhibit was created in tandem with a live exhibit in the Spring 2026 semester. Why beads? Beads are the oldest known form of human adornment: the oldest known beads in the world were made from snail shells 150,000 years ago, and were found in a Moroccan cave. Beads have been a major part of historical trade between cultures and are among the oldest known traded items. Today, beads are present in almost every known culture in many different forms and styles. They often serve as a visual language to communicate the wearer's social status, identity, and cultural values through symbolism. Jewelry and personal adornment are still often related to wealth and personal expression today, continuing this long tradition. In contemporary Africal American culture, and among the Black Diaspora worldwide, beads continue to be a beautifully significant part of personal expression, adornment, and cultural identity.