Details
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African bead art is a vibrant and ancient art form that has been practiced for centuries across the continent. Beads are used to create a wide variety of items, including jewellery, clothing, masks, and sculptures. The types of beads used, the colours and patterns chosen, and the techniques employed all vary depending on the region and culture.
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Beadwork is an important part of many African cultures. It can serve a number of purposes, including adornment, communication of status, and religious expression. Beadwork can also be used to tell stories and preserve cultural history.
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Beadwork is also an important art form in East Africa, where it is used to create a variety of items, including jewellery, clothing, and household goods. The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania are famous for their colourful beadwork, which often features geometric patterns and symbolic designs.
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Some of the most famous examples of African beadwork come from West Africa, where beads have been used for centuries to create elaborate jewellery and clothing. In Nigeria, for example, Yoruba beadwork is known for its geometric patterns and use of bright colours. In Ghana, the Asante people are known for their use of gold beads in their jewellery.
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In Southern Africa, beadwork is used to create a variety of items, including jewellery, clothing, and traditional attire. The Zulu and Ndebele people of South Africa are known for their use of beadwork in their clothing, which often features geometric patterns and symbolic designs. ♣
Xhosa:The Xhosa people are the second-largest ethnic group in South Africa, accounting for about 16% of the population. They are known for their click language and their distinctive beadwork patterns. ♣
Tswana:The Tswana people are a Bantu ethnic group native to southern Africa, whose traditional homeland is what is now Botswana and South Africa. They are known for their basket-weaving skills and their colourful clothing.
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The Sotho people are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group native to southern Africa, primarily in Lesotho and South Africa. Their beadwork is a distinct art form within the broader tradition of African beadwork. •Sotho beadwork is known for its geometric patterns and use of bold colours, particularly white, black, blue, red, and yellow. Common motifs include chevrons, diamonds, zigzags, and triangles. These patterns and colours are believed to have symbolic meanings, although their exact interpretation can vary. For instance, white beads might symbolize purity, while black beads could represent power. •Traditionally, Sotho beadwork was created by women and girls. The beads were sewn onto a leather foundation using sinew or thread. Sotho beadwork was used to create a variety of items, including: •Today, Sotho beadwork is still an important part of Sotho culture. It is worn for special occasions, such as weddings and funerals, and is also a popular souvenir for tourists. Sotho beadwork artists are also increasingly creating contemporary pieces that incorporate traditional designs with modern elements.
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Southern Ndebele
The Southern Ndebele people are primarily found in the provinces of Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo in South Africa. They are famous for their brightly coloured and intricategeometric beadwork and the equally vibrant murals that adorn their homes. ♣
Northern Ndebele The Northern Ndebele people live in Limpopo and North West provinces of South Africa. Their cultural practices are more aligned with their Sotho-Tswana neighbours compared to the
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Southern Ndebele. Their beadwork reflects this influence and uses a different colour palette and style than the Southern Ndebele. •Jewellery: Beadwork was commonly used to make necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings. These items were often worn for adornment and to signify social status. Clothing: Beadwork was used to decorate clothing, such as blankets, skirts, and hats. •Household items: Beadwork was also used to create functional items, such as bags and headrests.
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African bead art is a beautiful and complex art form that continues to be practiced today. It is a testament to the creativity and skill of African artisans.
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Beaded Wire Art often requires strong hands to shape an item:
This is usually done by men who work together with Bead Ladies
for the more intricate part of creating an item!
• Beaded
SA South Africa Flag Bracelets
• Beaded SA South Africa Flag Ankle Bracelets
• Beaded SA South Africa Flag
Necklace Neck Collars Chokers
• Ndebele Zulu and Custom designs
• Beaded
Aids Ribbon • Beaded Aids Pins
• Beaded Aids Badge • Beaded Aids Bracelets
• Beaded
Breast Cancer Ribbon
• Beaded Breast Cancer Bracelets
• Beaded Breast
Cancer Pins
Chinese and Indian Seed Bead - The (cheap) seed beads from China and India are less uniform than those from Japan or Czechoslovakia. That uneven quality makes them incredibly difficult to work with and often results in patterns being distorted. Due to the uneven pattern and sharp edges of the beads, the weaving thread is prone to breaking.We do not accept responsibility for irregular patterns nor breakages for Chinese bead orders.
Czech Seed Bead Information
Czech seed beads are shaped like tiny donuts or bagels with nicely rounded edges, and are more uniform sized. Czech beads are beautiful in bead embroidery and in patterned loomwork such as Lanyards.We use only experienced beaders to work with Czech beads, hence can guarantee excellent craftsmanship.
Lanyards measure approx. 75 cm (29.5") and the width approx. 1,5cm - strung by hand with a triangle pattern.
Each lanyard is handmade and an original work of art, therefore each piece is unique.
• Beaded Flowers -French
Beaded Flowers
Beaded Flowers with Wire Art Structure
- Made in colour and size of your choice
Beaded Wire Flowers in Sheetmetal Bucket Vase
Flowers and buckets made to your specifications.
Beaded Wire Flowers -
Colour - Shape - Size as specified by you!
Custom Beaded Flowers with
Wire
Art Structure and
Sheetmetal Bucket Vase
(french) Beaded
Flowers - Beaded Rose
(french) Beaded
Flowers
(french) Beaded Flower Center piece -
Beaded
Table Decor
(french) Beaded
Flowers Red Rose
•Bead Artist
Details
Margaret loves the challenge of creating commissioned
Bead Art such as
Custom Invitations - Banners - Logos - Gifts.
Margaret has an "Army" of Ladies she trained and
supervises who often
leave their
rural homes
and stay with her to complete an order.
All Beadwork is done by talented and skilled
rural Ladies and Wire Artists.
Every order contributes to support Families
and is greatly appreciated by our Artists.
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Content of this page belongs to BEMOCI June 2021
Content of this page belongs to BEMOCI
September 2020
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Hi.........thank you for popping in! 
Due to the uneven pattern and sharp edges of the beads, the weaving thread is prone to breaking.
June 2021