|
|
Beading Along With The Art Of Bead Work And Its Importance In Historic Africa
The ancient Egyptians used beads and charms starting around 2200 BC for the purpose of decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads have been crafted from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These beads became an item utilized for trade by the Egyptians mostly with the nations of Kush and Nubia.
The usage of beads as jewelry beads continued to be a custom in many other countries of Africa. Originally their beads were being made of wood, shells, clay, stone or grass seeds. Most of these beads were used for necklaces, bracelets or anklets. The beads have been also used on blankets as well as other types of clothing. By the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were actually in many different colors and shades, they were utilized for elaborate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries like Ghana, Mali and Nigeria dressed in royal garb so heavily beaded that attendants would assist them to move about in carrying out their duties.
Beadwork has also been made to clearly define social position among women. Specific designs worn by women would specify young girls from elder women in certain tribes. Bead work would show if girls were engaged and to be married. Particular bead work also was used to adorn brides and those women who just had recently given birth to their first child.
In today's Africa, beads continue to be used and held in high respect. In East Africa beads are made of ostrich eggshells which are common on the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and these are known as soul money and they are used in different ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites and funerals. One other popular material for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into a variety of colors and patterns. These types of beads are irregular and signify a sense of luxury for the individual wearing it.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge numbers of colorful beads. The beads function as a family possession. When the family earnings are bad then the beads are sold. The price of the bead is determined on its weight. Bead materials encompass amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The various kinds of beads convey various meanings. Amber safeguards against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa artists carry on the age old custom of creating wonderful beads.
Making Unity Candles: Listed Here Are Some Essential Points Relating To Making Unity Candles
Do you want to learn more about making unity candles? Here is some information that could come in handy: Unity candles are often a very important part of traditional wedding ceremonies.
Making Chunk Candles: Learn Even More With Regards To The Subject Matter Of Making Chunk Candlesticks
Chunk candles add a great alternative to the standard pillar candle of yesterday. These colorful candles add a vibrancy and life to them. Looking at chunk candles, they appear to be very difficult to make. However, just the opposite is true.
Bees Wax Candle Making: Love Manufacturing Very Own Candle Lights? Try Making Bees Wax Candle Lights
Have you ever wondered how bees wax candle making is done? Beeswax candles are made from all natural ingredients made by honeybees.
Canning Jar Candles: Here Are Additional Details Concerning Making Canning Jar Candles
If you are considering canning jar candles, this article will be right up your alley.
Making Pillar Candles: A Little More Particulars About Pillar Candles And Also Producing Pillar Candles
The following article on making pillar candles may just give you some great ideas. Pillar candles add a stylish touch of elegance to your home and even to your dinner table as part of a centerpiece.
Delicas Beads, Sometimes Inaccurately Referred To As Seed Beads, Are Cylindrically Shaped Glass Beads Made By World Celebrated Miyuki.
Delicas are a specific bead made by world famous Miyuki, Japan's oldest seed bead manufacturer. They line up perfectly in loom and in off-loom stitches such as Brick or Peyote, and they are available in a vast of colors and finishes.
Candle Making Resources: Learn More Regarding Candle Making Supplies
Candle Making is a fun hobby and enterprising business venture for others. There are basic supplies you need in order to make candles. All candles require three essentials - wax, wick, and a candle holder.
|
More Articles
Blogroll
|
