Beads And The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Importance In Historic Africa

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

The usage of beads as jewelry beads remained a custom in many other nations of Africa. At first their beads were crafted from wood, shells, clay, stone or grass seeds. These beads were used for necklaces, bracelets or anklets. The beads have been also used on blankets as well as other kinds of clothing. By the fifteenth century, glass beads had been introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were in various colors, they were utilized for elaborate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries such as Ghana, Mali and Nigeria dressed in royal garb so greatly beaded that attendants would have to help them to move about during their duties.

Beadwork was also made to clearly define societal position among women. Certain designs worn by women could define young girls from older women in specific tribes. Bead work would show if girls were engaged and to be wed. Particular bead work also was used to accentuate brides and the women who had recently given birth to their first child.

Within today's Africa, beads are still used and held in high respect. In East Africa beads are made of ostrich eggshells that are common on the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made of gold and they are called soul money and they're used for different ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites in addition to funerals. One other popular material for beads can be glass. Bottle glass is melted and reused into various colors and styles. These beads are irregular and signify a sense of luxury to the individual wearing it.

In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge quantities of brightly colored beads. The beads serve as a household asset. When the family earnings are poor then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is determined on the weight. Bead components can include amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The different types of beads convey various connotations. Amber safeguards against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.

All through Africa designers continue the popular tradition of creating wonderful beads.

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