Padre Beads are a variety of wound glass trade beads originally imported across the world especially to Africa and the Americas by Spanish Missionaries, Monks, Friars and Traders who used them as a form of currency. The name Padre Bead is derived from the fact that these beads were worn by Spanish priests who were called ‘padres’ meaning ‘father’ in the Spanish language. Some of these beads may have been part of the rosaries that Catholic priests would carry. The period during which they Padre Beads believed to have been first used is between the 16th and 18th centuries. Because of this extended history, Padre beads tend to carry a lot of history along with them.
Padre Beads come in many colors. However, historically blue Padre Beads were the most prized. This is because the blue color was scarce and difficult to find in nature. An alternative name for such beads was Chief beads since they conveyed a higher social status likened to the leader of a tribe such as the chief. Some of these beads were actually made from cobalt blue ‘Peking Glass’ in China. The Dutch and Venetians also made similarly styled Padre Beads. Very often such beads were traded for furs from Native American people including by Russian traders in the Pacific Northwest. Other color Padre Beads that were produced included white, black, red, yellow, and green. Still blue was the most coveted color. All these options make Padre beads a welcome addition to most any beaded jewelry.
