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The Craft Of Beading Along With The Skill Of Bead Work And Its Impact In The History Of Africa
The ancient Egyptians utilized beads and charms 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 beads became an object utilized for exchange by the Egyptians primarily with the countries of Kush and Nubia.
The use of beads as jewelry beads remained a custom in many other countries of Africa. At first their beads were being 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 clothing. By the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Since the glass beads were actually 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 dressed in royal garb so heavily beaded that attendants would have to assist them to move about during their duties.
Beadwork was also used to define societal position among women. Specific designs worn by women could specify young girls from older women in specific tribes. Bead work would indicate when girls were engaged and to be wed. Particular bead work also was used to adorn brides and the women who just 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 common on the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and they are known as soul money and they're used for various ceremonies of child naming, puberty rites in addition to funerals. One other popular material for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and reused into a variety of colors and styles. These beads are irregular and denote a sense of elegance to the individual wearing it.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge numbers of brightly colored beads. The beads function as a household asset. If the family income is poor then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is determined on its weight. Bead components comprise amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The different types of beads carry different connotations. Amber safeguards against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa designers carry on the popular tradition of making beautiful beads.
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