Archaeologists at Cluny Fortified Village recovered over 1,450 remnants of beads made from clam species Lampsilis radiata siliquoidea and Lasmigona complanata. The beads were found at various stages of production including unfinished blanks, finished edges with undrilled holes and polished disk shapes.

Shell beads were traded throughout the U.S. and Canada and were commonly made from small sea snails (Olivella dama). Unlike snail beads, clam beads were rarely traded beyond local contexts because of their size and weight.

Sources:

More Beads in Archaeology

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