African beadwork is a strong part of the Zulu tradition and the tradition of many other African tribes. Trade in beads began hundreds of years ago, probably even before the days of Henry Francis Fynn - the first European settler to settle in Natal in 1824. These beads came to be highly valued by the Zulu tribes who then started to add them to many different items and even weaved into them messages which were then sent to friends and lovers.
The History of Zulu Beadwork
Beads were probably first traded in Africa during the time of the Egyptians, Sumerians and Chaldeans about three thousand years ago. Since the Zulu people could not make these themselves they came to value them highly and used them to craft many different items and also as a means of communication.
Beaded Communication and Symbolism
The patterns and colours used to create Zulu beadwork contained specific messages and symbols. They were used to show whether a girl was single, engaged to be married or a new mother.
African Beadwork Today
Today in Africa you will still often see Zulu people and other African tribes involved in creating beautiful crafted pieces using beads. These beaded items can include useful items such as beaded bowls or more decorative items that are often highly prized in other nations. You will see people in South Africa sitting on the side of busy roads trying to sell these crafts to those that drive by and they may even sit there hand-crafting each piece while they wait for customers.
Beading is a strong part of the African heritage and in traditional Zulu culture is used not only to create useful or decorative items but also as a means of communication. What makes these so special is the fact that these people will handcraft each item and so each is unique.
This article was written by Mandy Buchanan. If you would like to order African curios for your home then please visit Thorntree Crafts and Curios website
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_Buchanan
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