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Beautiful Beads to be theme at Family Fun Day Sept. 9 at Cultural Heritage Center

Visitors can create a hairpipe bead armband/bracelet at the next Family Fun Day on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

The event runs from 10-11:30 a.m. CDT. All materials are provided and children should be accompanied by an adult. Admission to the museum galleries is free during that time period.

During the event, there will be a rotating slideshow of photos and drawings from the South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives showing hairpipe beads being used by American Indians to create ear, hair and neck pendants, necklaces, chokers, breastplates and bandoliers. The beads are still commonly used in powwow regalia.

“Creating a wearable armband or bracelet is a fun way to try some simple beading,” said Jay Smith, museum director for the State Historical Society. “All the materials are provided along with instructions so it is a project that all ages can enjoy.”

Hairpipe beads are tubular shaped, generally anywhere from one-half to 4 inches long. Early hairpipe beads were made from conch shells. Later on, the beads were made from bone. Today, hairpipe beads are available in a wide variety of materials and colors.

Call 605-773-3458 or visit history.sd.gov for more information.

About the South Dakota State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call 605-773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call 605-394-1936 for more information.