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Beads And The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Impact In Historic Africa
The ancient Egyptians used beads and charms around 2200 BC to achieve decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads have been created out of clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These types of beads became an object utilized for trade by the Egyptians primarily with the nations of Kush and Nubia.
The usage of beads as jewelry beads remained a custom in many different countries of Africa. At first their beads were being made of 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 kinds of clothing. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were actually in many different colors, they were utilized for elaborate 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 have to assist them to move about in carrying out their duties.
Beadwork was also made to clearly define societal position between women. Specific designs worn by women could specify young girls from elder women in specific tribes. Bead work would show if girls were engaged and to be wed. Particular bead work also was applied to adorn brides and the women who just had recently given birth to their first child.
In today's Africa, beads are still used and held in high respect. In East Africa beads are made of ostrich eggshells that are common around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and they are known as soul money and they are used for different ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites in addition to funerals. One other popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and reused into a variety of colors and patterns. These beads are irregular and signify a sense of luxury to the individual wearing it.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of brightly colored beads. The beads function as a family asset. When the family earnings are poor then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is established on its weight. Bead components provide amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various types of beads convey various connotations. Amber safeguards against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa designers carry on the age old tradition of creating wonderful beads.
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