Library Lecture Series: Cultural Beads

Presenters: Adrienne Gennett and Chris Martin

Some of the earliest glass objects created throughout the world were beads. The story of glass beads spans thousands of years and the importance of these tiny pieces of glass to many diverse cultures goes far beyond their diminutive size. University Museums Associate Curator Adrienne Gennett will explore how glass beads came to be so significant and influential. Gennett will be joined by Chris Martin, professor of Art and Visual Culture (Furniture), who will discuss his time in Ghana and their unique contemporary glass beads and the importance of beads historically in their culture.

This series is presented in partnership with Ames Public Library, Ames Historical Society, Iowa State University Library, and University Museums.