Beading And The Art Of Bead Work And Its Importance In Historic Africa

The ancient Egyptians used beads and charms roughly around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads have been created out of clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These types of beads became an object used for trade by the Egyptians primarily with the countries of Kush and Nubia.

The usage of beads as jewelry beads remained a custom in many different countries of Africa. At first their beads were 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 as well as other kinds of clothing. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were in many different colors, they were used in elaborate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries such as Ghana, Mali and Nigeria dressed in elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would have to help them to move about in carrying out their duties.

Beadwork was also used to clearly define societal position between women. Specific designs worn by women could define young girls from elder women in specific tribes. Bead work would indicate if girls were engaged and to be wed. Particular bead work also was applied to adorn brides and the women who 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 of ostrich eggshells that are common around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and they are called soul money and they are used for various ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites in addition to funerals. One other popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and reused into various colors and patterns. These beads are irregular and denote a sense of luxury to the individual wearing it.

In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of brightly colored beads. The beads serve as a family asset. If the family earnings are poor then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is established on its weight. Bead components consist of amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various types of beads carry various connotations. Amber safeguards against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.

Throughout Africa designers continue the age old tradition of making wonderful beads.

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