The Craft Of Beading & The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Significance In The History Of Africa

The ancient Egyptians made beads and charms around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Ancient Egyptian jewelry beads have been made from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These beads developed into an item utilized for trade by the Egyptians primarily with the countries of Kush and Nubia.

The use of beads as jewelry beads continued to be a tradition in many other nations of Africa. Originally their beads were being made of wood, shells, clay, stone or grass seeds. These beads were used for necklaces, bracelets or anklets. The beads were also used on blankets and other types of garments. By the fifteenth century, glass beads had been introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were actually in many different colors, they were used in intricate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries like Ghana, Mali and Nigeria wore royal garb so greatly beaded that attendants would assist them to move about in carrying out their duties.

Beadwork was also used to define social status among women. Certain designs worn by women would specify young girls from elder women in specific tribes. Bead work would indicate when girls were engaged and to be married. Specific bead work also was used to accentuate brides and those women who just had recently given birth to their first child.

In today's Africa, beads are still used and held in high regard. In East Africa beads are made from ostrich eggshells which are prevalent on the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made of gold and these are known as soul money and they are used for various ceremonies of child naming, puberty rites and funerals. Another popular material for beads can be glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into a variety of colors and patterns. These beads are irregular and denote a sense of elegance for the person.

In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge quantities of colorful beads. The beads function as a family asset. If the family income is bad then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is determined on the weight. Bead materials provide amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various types of beads carry different meanings. Amber protects against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.

All through Africa artists carry on the age old tradition of making beautiful beads.

The Craft Of Beading & The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Significance In The History Of Africa
The ancient Egyptians used beads and charms around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Ancient Egyptian jewelry beads were made from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood.

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