In Africa particularly, history is inextricably intertwined with beads. These are the Top 15 Highest Grossing Nollywood Movies of all time. Waist beads are probably one of the most prominent uses of beads in Africa. Sudan, Kenya, and Libya have all yielded similar beads that have been dated to at least 12,000 years ago. Numerous tribes have not only become masters of bead production and their use as decoration but have garnered worldwide reputations as artists of this milieu. Best World Travel: Travel Magazine, Travel Writing, Vacations and Trips, Home > Destinations > Africa > Kenya > Beads of Time: The Role of Beads in Africa, By James Michael Dorsey //Leave a Comment. Unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email. From a simple necklace of colorful seeds, to a 3,000-year-old nugget of Chaldean glass, the value of African beads can range from a few farthings to a fat fortune. There are iconic images we all associate with certain places; the Great Wall with China and the Eiffel Tower with France. Beads were also used as trade items. Typically, only the partner a woman chooses would have the honor of seeing them fully. The earliest African beads were made from shell, bone, horn, seeds, teeth, ivory,… Beads of Time: The Role of Beads in Africa, Exploring Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2. Typically, only the partner a woman chooses would have the honor of seeing them fully. Some of the women< who adorn waist beads in this day and age, use it more for ornamental and beautification reasons. Perhaps they should be. In this scenario, various concoctions would be included in the design of the waist beads so when someone have intercourse with the wearer of the bead, they will keep coming back for more. As a sign that a woman had reached marriageable age and could now have suitors Strung with bells, to show that a woman was still pure as at the time of marriage. The beads will be sure to add a stylish yet meaningful addition to your outfits and swimsuits this season. Some other varied uses or significance of the waist beads include; As a symbol of femininity and sensuality, only the partner a woman chooses would have the honor of seeing them fully. To attract suitors. Beads are collected in gourds which are shaken to ward off evil spirits. Read More about “About”…. ©Dr Peter Magubane. Formerly used as a trading currency, these beads are named after the region where they’re made. Bead comes from bede or bid, meaning to pray. The oldest known beads have been found in the Kalahari desert, Sudan and Libya. They are a symbol and celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, body shaping, first menses, protection, seduction, and wealth, amongst other things. Maasai beadwork proclaims their joy of living every waking moment. The beads are created from layers of powdered glass mixed with dyes and poured into moulds. Beads were used as part of African religious rituals, thereby increasing their value and respect. For example, beads are used in ceremonies of birth, coming of age, marriage, or death and are generously displayed in festivals and parades. The "love letters" of the Zulu tribe manipulate the colors and patterns of beaded offerings to one's suitor in order to convey secret messages. Man has worn beads "since time began", in rituals and ceremonies, for beautification, for talismanic purposes or healing, to denote status, or as symbols of wealth. African trade beads or slave beads may be antique beads that were manufactured in Europe and used for trade during the colonial period, such as chevron beads; or they may have been made in West Africa by and for Africans, such as Mauritanian Kiffa beads, Ghanaian and Nigerian powder glass beads, or African-made brass beads. Aggri (or Aggrey) beads are a traditional form of currency, exchange and method of payment in Africa. Here at Listwand, we are devoted to helping Africans and the whole world in general get relevant and valuable African contents ranging from the happenings, tribes, rankings and cultures of peoples of African origin in both Africa and the African diaspora. Since waist beads don’t stretch, like clothes do, they simply roll up the waist until they find a place to sit comfortably.when gaining weight, the belt of the beads climb up and when you loose weight, it falls elegantly on the hips so typically waist beads are a simple method of monitoring weight without the aid scales. 1. By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Over time, the culture of the use of beads has been associated with both spiritual and material reasons. In drier areas that lack cowries, eggshells have served the same purpose. This created a high demand for trade beads in Africa. There are many anthropologists who believe this art form traveled over the now lost Aleutian land bridge when Asia and the Americas were connected long ago. Today, they have many practical and aesthetic uses around the world. When foreign seafarers and explorers began to infiltrate Africa around the 14th century they brought glass chevron beads with them to trade for safe passage. Both of these styles proved to be very popular as currency for another four centuries. Even the name “bead” hints at one of their primary uses. The term African Beads is used to refer to both beads locally produced by indigenous people of the African continent and Trade Beads that have travelled from other parts of the world and now circulate or were recently sourced from Africa. Most societies in Africa use them for adornment. The day also... 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Colorful, small beads (similar to our Christmas Beads here at The Bead Chest) are intricately woven upon thin twine, to create asymmetric, over-sized designs with long, fringed embellishments. Happy travels! As such, beads have religious, social, and decorative properties. They do not only wear these items for special occasions, but as an everyday way of life. By Alao Abiodun. The beads that are made in Africa are often called trade beads because in many centuries they were used in exchange for goods or used as currency. Zaire is known for stone beads while Uganda is leading the way by making beads from recycled paper. We will use the information you provided to email our newsletter as requested. and they comes from Libya, but then ancient Egypt also produced beautiful designs of bead work dating back to 1500 B.C. The influence of waist beads spans across several countries and spreads to the Caribbean as well. Cowry shells can be found throughout Africa and are probably the most used decorative symbol on the continent. The two techniques for making glass beads that dominate in Africa are Power-glass Beadmaking and Bida Glass Beadmaking. As the craft of bead making progressed, smaller and smaller beads were produced, making it possible to employ them in the widespread decoration of clothing. Beads can serve as a means of identity. The quality of beads used represents the social status of the wearer, especially is the worry beads are made of silver or amber. Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia Tagged With: Africa, Art, Beads, James Michael Dorsey, Kenya, South Africa, Your email address will not be published. Waist beads have been used for centuries in West African cultures as symbols of fertility, sexuality, and spirituality. Waist beads have a long history in Africa and are worn for various reasons and purposes. Beads were infamously utilized during the slave trade, African Kings and merchants traded glass beads for captured slaves. After heating and cooling, the finished bead is sometimes hand-painted with original designs. Whatever their vast and varied origins, beads remain a staple of African culture today. As a sign that a woman had reached marriageable age and could now have suitors. The Fulani, hereditary nomads who range throughout a third of the continent, favor brightly colored glass beads. Besides using beads for fashion reasons, some African communities in the past used special types of beads as currencies for exchange of goods and services. As A Symbol Of Feminity and Sensuality. African beads are exquisite works of art.. Beads are often worn while expressing art for example, in Nigeria, Kalakuta queens at Fela’s shrine were often adorned in colourful beads while performing on stage. Group Culture Coordinator & Researcher Rukariro Katsande weighs in on the significance of beads in African culture… The North American Plains Indians are also known for their magnificent beadwork that interestingly enough bears many of the same designs and patterns of early African beading. Beads still play a very prevalent role in modern Krobo culture. In Malawi, they create vibrant glass beads that favor floral patterns while in Mozambique, indigenous gemstones are a popular medium. Waist beads is also seen as a sign that a woman have reached marriageable age and can now have suitors. Southern parts of Africa utilize waist beads in unique ways as well. In Africa, waist beads were usually used to signify the changes a female body goes through over the years. Africans also used beads to communicate. In Africa, more than any other region, they have long played a prominent role. That is why it’s important to know everything about the history of beads and how it reflects on modern life. 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