A royal beaded bench from 19th-century Cameroon shaped like a mythical creature? Or a beaded violin case made in 1891 by a member of the Brulé Lakota nation? Beginning April 22 and running through Feb. 3, 2019, the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, N.M., presents “Beadwork Adorns the World,” an exhibition that highlights the artistry, cultural meaning, and global reach of beadwork.
Often called “the art of the everyday,” folk art reflects the customs and histories of communities. The works in this exhibition show how beads have been used across continents and eras to mark life-cycle events—births, marriages, deaths—indicate social status, and express identity. The display includes footwear by Kiowa artist Teri Greeves, an intricately beaded Romanian man’s belt, garments, and a range of hand-decorated furnishings, each demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship and rich cultural context.
Founded in 1953 and located on Museum Hill, the Museum of International Folk Art houses a collection of more than 150,000 objects from roughly 150 nations across six continents. Alongside rotating special exhibitions, visitors can explore extensive holdings of textiles, ceramics, and carvings. The museum also features the Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn Gallery of Conscience, a space dedicated to exhibitions that encourage dialogue about human rights and social justice.
“Beadwork Adorns the World” offers both close-up views of delicate technique and a broader perspective on how tiny glass, shell, or seed beads become powerful vessels of meaning. Whether you’re interested in design, cultural history, or material culture, the exhibition provides a chance to see how artists and artisans transform modest materials into objects of beauty and significance.
Plan to spend time at the museum to take in the variety of objects and stories on display. From historical pieces to contemporary creations, the collection demonstrates how beadwork continues to serve as a vibrant, adaptable form of artistic expression around the world.