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Various examples of Native American traditional beading. After the glass beads were delivered to America by first British settlers, American Indian tribes started to use beads to decorate their folk clothing and accessories. Local females soon became skilled craftswomen and produced real masterpieces. Until today, the Native Americans are rightfully proud of their beading tradition. Here are just a few beautiful samples.

Octopus bags made by Tlingit people from Southern Alaska. The reason why they are called “octopus bags” is because they have these 8 long tabs (4 at the front side and 4 at the back) that remind people of the legs of an octopus. It is unknown when these Native American bags got such a name, but bags like this were thought to have originally been made out of fur and that the long tabs represent where the legs of the animal were left on the bag.
The octopus bags were used by Indians throughout the American continent. Different tribes adorned them with their own typical patterns, symbols, and decorations. For example, for Tlingit tribes, the image of frog was often used.

Cherokee beaded shoulder bags. They are adorned by traditional patterns of Native American Indians.
The photo is from a lecture of Tonia Hogner Weavel, Cherokee artisan and cultural figure.