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Beads And The Art Of Bead Work And Its Significance Throughout The History Of Africa
The ancient Egyptians utilized beads and charms around 2200 BC for the purpose of decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Historic Egyptian jewelry beads have been made from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These types of beads became an object used for exchange by the Egyptians primarily with the nations of Kush and Nubia.
The usage of beads as jewelry beads continued to be a tradition in many different countries 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 types of garments. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were 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 like Ghana, Mali and Nigeria wore elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would have to help them to move about during their duties.
Beadwork was also made to clearly define social status between women. Specific 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 married. Specific bead work also was applied to adorn 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 which are prevalent around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and they are called soul money and they're used for different ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites and funerals. Another popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and reused into various colors and styles. These beads are irregular and signify a sense of luxury for the person.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of brightly colored beads. The beads serve as a household asset. When the family earnings are bad then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is established on its weight. Bead components include amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The different types of beads convey various meanings. Amber protects against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa designers continue the popular tradition of creating wonderful beads.
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