In the Midwestern United States, fossilized segments of columnal crinoids are sometimes known as Indian beads.

Mingled with these were found, in different places, small Indian beads, which these insects collect to beautify and adorn their habitation.

"Are those genuine Indian beads?"

Real Indian beads, by Jove.

This is..." The announcer was interrupted by a young blonde girl wearing Indian beads and screaming, "The whole world is watching!

I saw her watching the girl for the longest time and finally she said, "Are those Indian beads?"

"I don't know why," Mrs. Favor said, "I thought they were Indian beads."

"You might say they are Indian beads," the girl said.

Known as Indian beads, they were originally sewn together to form ribbons.

Indian bead is a colloquial term for the fossilized stem segments of columnal crinoids, marine echinoderms of the class Crinoidea.