Beading & The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Importance Throughout The History Of Africa

The ancient Egyptians made beads and charms starting around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads were crafted from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These beads became an object utilized for trade by the Egyptians mostly with the countries of Kush and Nubia.

The usage of beads as jewelry beads continued to be a custom in many other countries of Africa. At first 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 were also used on blankets as well as other types of clothing. By the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were actually in many different colors and shades, they were used in elaborate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries like Ghana, Mali and Nigeria dressed in royal garb so heavily beaded that attendants would have to assist them to move about in carrying out their duties.

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

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

In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge numbers of brightly colored beads. The beads function as a family possession. If the family earnings are bad then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is determined on its weight. Bead components encompass amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various kinds of beads carry various meanings. Amber safeguards against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.

Throughout Africa designers carry on the age old custom of making wonderful beads.

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