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

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

The usage of beads as jewelry beads remained a tradition in many different countries of Africa. Originally their beads were 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 garments. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were 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 wore elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would help them to move about in carrying out their duties.

Beadwork was also used to clearly define societal status between women. Specific designs worn by women would define young girls from elder women in specific tribes. Bead work would indicate if girls were engaged and to be wed. Specific bead work also was applied to adorn brides and those women who 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 prevalent around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and these are called soul money and they are used for various ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites in addition to funerals. Another popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into various colors and patterns. These beads are irregular and denote a sense of luxury to the person.

In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of colorful beads. The beads serve as a family asset. If the family earnings are poor then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is established on its weight. Bead materials can include amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various types of beads carry various connotations. Amber protects against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.

Throughout Africa artists continue the age old tradition of making wonderful beads.

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