Beads And Bead Work And Its Importance In Historic Africa

The ancient Egyptians used 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 types of beads became an object used 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 different countries of Africa. At first their beads were 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. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were 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 elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would have to help them to move about in carrying out their duties.

Beadwork has also been used to clearly define social position between women. Specific designs worn by women could define 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 applied to adorn brides and the women who 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 around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and they are called soul money and they are used in various ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites and funerals. One other popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and reused into various 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 large numbers of brightly colored beads. The beads serve as a family possession. If the family earnings are bad then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is established on its weight. Bead components can include amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various kinds of beads carry various meanings. Amber safeguards against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.

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

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