The ancient Egyptians made beads and charms around 2200 BC for decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads have been made from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These beads became an item utilized for exchange by the Egyptians primarily with the countries of Kush and Nubia.
The usage of beads as jewelry beads continued to be a tradition in many other countries of Africa. Originally 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 as well as other types of garments. By the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were actually in various colors, they were used in elaborate bead work for the very wealthy in southern Africa. Kings in countries like Ghana, Mali and Nigeria wore royal garb so heavily beaded that attendants would assist them to move about during their duties.
Beadwork was also used to clearly define social status among women. Specific designs worn by women would specify young girls from older women in specific tribes. Bead work would indicate if girls were engaged and to be married. Specific bead work also was used to adorn brides and those 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 of ostrich eggshells which are prevalent on the Kalahari Desert. In West Africa beads are made from gold and these are known as soul money and they're used for various ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites and funerals. Another popular material for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into a variety of colors and styles. These beads are irregular and denote a sense of luxury for the person.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge numbers of colorful beads. The beads function as a household asset. If the family earnings are bad then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is determined on its weight. Bead materials comprise amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The different types of beads carry various meanings. Amber protects against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa artists carry on the popular tradition of making wonderful beads.
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