Meskwaki Bead Belt Made by Chi Ki Ka, 1905

    Meskwaki Bead Belt Made by Chi Ki Ka, 1905
    Courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, 1905

    Description

    The Meskwaki bartered for cloth, glass beads, iron and copper cooking utensils, blankets and guns with pelts when they encountered European-Americans. The trade beads became the most important thing to the Meskwaki. These beads of many colors and sizes were made into many things. The early trade beads were blue and white glass beads. Early glass beads were imported from France and woven into many things. This bead belt was made by Chi Ki Ka around 1905. 

    Source-Dependent Questions

    • Look closely at the belt. What shapes and colors do you notice?
    • Early glass beads were brought over from France. Why would the Meskwaki trade animal pelts for beads? Why were the trade beads so important to the Meskwaki?
    • To learn more about Meskwaki history, while looking at the belt, read this short article.
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