The Craft Of Beading & Bead Work And Its Impact Throughout The History Of Africa
The ancient Egyptians utilized beads and charms roughly around 2200 BC to achieve decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Ancient Egyptian jewelry beads have been made from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These types of beads became an item utilized for exchange by the Egyptians primarily with the nations of Kush and Nubia.
The use of beads as jewelry beads remained a tradition in many different countries of Africa. Originally their beads were being 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 and other kinds of garments. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were actually in various colors, they were utilized for intricate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries such as Ghana, Mali and Nigeria wore elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would assist them to move about during their duties.
Beadwork was also made to define societal status between women. Specific designs worn by women would specify young girls from older women in specific tribes. Bead work would show when girls were engaged and to be wed. Specific bead work also was applied to adorn brides and those women who just 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 from ostrich eggshells that are prevalent around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and these are known as soul money and they're used for different ceremonies of child naming, puberty rites in addition to funerals. Another popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into a variety of colors and styles. These beads are irregular and signify a sense of elegance to the person.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of colorful beads. The beads function as a household asset. When the family income is poor then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is established on its weight. Bead materials comprise amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The different types of beads convey different connotations. Amber protects against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa artists carry on the popular tradition of creating beautiful beads.
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