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Beading & The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Impact In The History Of Africa
The ancient Egyptians used beads and charms around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Ancient Egyptian jewelry beads have been crafted from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These types of beads became an item utilized for trade by the Egyptians primarily with the countries of Kush and Nubia.
The use of beads as jewelry beads remained a custom in many different countries of Africa. Originally 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 and other kinds of clothing. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were actually in many different colors, they were used in intricate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries such as Ghana, Mali and Nigeria dressed in elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would assist them to move about in carrying out their duties.
Beadwork was also used to define societal position between women. Specific designs worn by women would specify young girls from elder women in specific tribes. Bead work would indicate when girls were engaged and to be wed. Particular bead work also was applied to adorn brides and those 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 from ostrich eggshells that are common around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and these are known as soul money and they are used for various ceremonies of child naming, puberty rites in addition to funerals. One other popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into a variety of colors and patterns. These beads are irregular and denote a sense of elegance to the individual wearing it.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of colorful beads. The beads function as a family asset. If the family income is poor then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is established on its weight. Bead materials contain amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various types of beads carry different connotations. Amber safeguards against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa artists carry on the age old tradition of making beautiful beads.
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