Beads & The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Impact In The History Of Africa
The ancient Egyptians made beads and charms around 2200 BC to achieve decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads were mostly made from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These beads developed into an object used for trade by the Egyptians primarily with the nations of Kush and Nubia.
The usage of beads as jewelry beads remained a tradition in many other nations of Africa. At first their beads were 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 garments. By the fifteenth century, glass beads had been introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were 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 wore royal garb so greatly beaded that attendants would have to help them to move about in carrying out their duties.
Beadwork was also made to clearly define societal status among women. Certain designs worn by women could define young girls from elder women in specific tribes. Bead work would show if girls were engaged and to be wed. Specific bead work also was used to accentuate brides and the women who 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 prevalent on the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made of gold and they are called soul money and they are used for different ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites in addition to funerals. Another popular material for beads can be glass. Bottle glass is melted and reused into various colors and patterns. These beads are irregular and signify a sense of luxury to the person.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge quantities of brightly colored beads. The beads serve as a family asset. When the family earnings are poor then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is determined on the weight. Bead components can include amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various types of beads convey various connotations. Amber protects against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.
All through Africa designers continue the age old tradition of creating wonderful beads.
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