The Story of Beads

Beads are a way of life in Africa and every visitor encounters beads sooner or later. Beads are an integral part of African history from time immemorial. Beads were worn during rituals, traditional ceremonies, for beautification, status symbols, for talisman purposes and for trade.

There are different types of beads

Organic beads: Some of the earliest forms of beads were made from organic materials that are still being used today include; bones, shells, wood, horns, seeds and other organic materials. Cowrie shells were used for beauty and as currency for trade in Africa.

Stone Beads: The earliest forms of stone beads were used by the Yoruba artisans were made from red jasper. Carnelian shavings have been found in archaeological sites along the East African coastline.

Metal Beads: Africa is rich in raw metal materials. It is believed that there may have been large deposits of silver in Ethiopia that led to a craft industry. Bronze and brass beads were as jewelry in Cameroon while the Turkana people use iron beads as part of their traditional attire. Gradually, gold beads became accessible to the very wealthy people.

Glass Beads: the East African coast has unraveled small monochromatic drawn glass beads from India. In Ghana, beads were made in clay mounds, using finely powered glass from recycled bottles. Glass beads were a major commodity used for exchange during the slave trade period.