The humble bead is the star of this exhibition, which follows its journey from its manufacture in Europe to its final weaving onto a garment or object in Africa, Borneo, India, and North America. Along the way, the show charts the aesthetic value and cultural significance of the bead, as well as, the artistic intentions and traditions of the beadworkers themselves.

Teri Greeves, “ndn girlz / rez girlz” (2009). Photo: courtesy of the Museum of International Folk Art.