The ancient Egyptians made beads and charms starting around 2200 BC to achieve decoration, beauty, fashion and vanity. Early Egyptian jewelry beads were made from clay, stone, ivory, bone, faience, glass, bronze, copper, silver and wood. These beads became an item used for exchange by the Egyptians mostly with the nations 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 crafted from 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 garments. By the fifteenth century, glass beads were introduced by Europeans. Because the glass beads were in various 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 wore royal garb so heavily beaded that attendants would help them to move about during their duties.
Beadwork has also been made to clearly define social status among women. Specific designs worn by women would define young girls from older women in certain tribes. Bead work would show if girls were engaged and to be married. Specific bead work also was used to adorn brides and those women who had recently given birth to their first child.
Within today's Africa, beads continue to be used and held in high respect. 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 called soul money and they're used in different ceremonies of child naming, adolescence rites and funerals. Another popular material for beads is glass. Bottle glass is melted and recycled into various colors and styles. These types of beads are irregular and signify a sense of luxury for the person.
In North Africa the Berber tribal women make huge numbers of colorful beads. The beads serve as a household possession. When the family earnings are bad then the beads are sold. The value of the bead is determined on its weight. Bead materials can include amber, coral, amazonite, silver and glass. The different kinds of beads convey various meanings. Amber protects against diseases while coral and silver are good luck charms.
Throughout Africa artists continue the popular custom of creating wonderful beads.
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