Beads Along With Bead Work And Its Importance Throughout The History Of Africa

The ancient Egyptians used beads and charms around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Historic Egyptian jewelry beads have been crafted from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These beads developed into an object utilized 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 other nations of Africa. At first 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 as well as other kinds of clothing. By the fifteenth century, glass beads had been introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were actually 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 royal garb so greatly beaded that attendants would have to assist them to move about in carrying out their duties.

Beadwork was also used to clearly define societal position among women. Certain designs worn by women could specify 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 used to accentuate brides and the 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 of ostrich eggshells that are common on the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made of gold and they are known as soul money and they are used for various 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 a variety of 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 huge quantities of brightly colored beads. The beads function as a family asset. If the family earnings are poor then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is determined on the weight. Bead components contain amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various types of beads carry various connotations. Amber safeguards against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.

All through Africa designers carry on the age old tradition of making wonderful beads.

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