Beads & The Art Of Bead Work And Its Impact Throughout The History Of Africa

The ancient Egyptians made beads and charms roughly around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Ancient Egyptian jewelry beads were mostly created out of clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These types of beads became an item used for exchange by the Egyptians primarily with the countries of Kush and Nubia.

The use of beads as jewelry beads remained a tradition in many different countries of Africa. Originally their beads were crafted from 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 garments. Near the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were in various colors, they were used in intricate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries such as Ghana, Mali and Nigeria wore elegant garb so heavily beaded that attendants would help them to move about during their duties.

Beadwork was also used to define societal status between women. Specific designs worn by women would define young girls from older women in specific tribes. Bead work would indicate when girls were engaged and to be wed. Specific bead work also was applied to adorn brides and those women who had recently given birth to their first child.

Within today's Africa, beads are still used and held in high regard. In East Africa beads are made from ostrich eggshells that are prevalent around the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and these are called soul money and they're used for various ceremonies of child naming, puberty rites in addition to funerals. Another popular substance for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into various colors and styles. These beads are irregular and denote a sense of elegance to the person.

In North Africa the Berber tribal women make large numbers of colorful beads. The beads serve as a household asset. If the family income is poor then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is established on its weight. Bead materials include amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The different types of beads carry different connotations. Amber protects against illnesses while coral and silver are good luck charms.

Throughout Africa artists continue the popular tradition of making beautiful beads.

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