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

Author: Craig

The ancient Egyptians used beads and charms starting around 2200 BC for the purpose of decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads were created out of clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These types of beads became an item utilized for trade by the Egyptians mostly with the nations of Kush and Nubia.

The usage of beads as jewelry beads continued to be a custom in many different countries of Africa. Originally their beads were being made of wood, shells, clay, stone or grass seeds. Most of these beads were used for necklaces, bracelets or anklets. The beads have been also used on blankets as well as other types of clothing. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were actually in many different colors and shades, they were utilized for elaborate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries like Ghana, Mali and Nigeria dressed in elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would assist them to move about in carrying out their duties.

Beadwork has also been made to clearly define social position between women. Specific designs worn by women would specify young girls from elder women in certain tribes. Bead work would show if girls were engaged and to be married. Particular bead work also was applied to adorn brides and those women who just had recently given birth to their first child.

In today's Africa, beads continue to be used and held in high respect. In East Africa beads are made of ostrich eggshells which are common around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and these are known as soul money and they are used in different ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites and funerals. One other popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into a variety of colors and patterns. These types of beads are irregular and signify a sense of luxury for the individual wearing it.

In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of colorful beads. The beads function as a family possession. When the family earnings are bad then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is established on its weight. Bead materials encompass amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various kinds of beads convey various meanings. Amber safeguards against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.

Throughout Africa artists carry on the age old custom of creating wonderful beads.

Beading Along With The Art Of Bead Work And Its Importance In Historic 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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