Traditional Bead Jewelry in South Africa

Traditional Jewelry and the making of beadwork in all of Africa carries symbolic meaning with specific colors, patterns and designs tied to cultural narratives, social status or rituals.  Complex techniques such as this requires years of practice. The elders teach young women to bead ensuring not just technical excellence but also fidelity to their particular people's identity. The making of any art form in Africa is rooted in a belief system of spirituality.   Man himself is not important. Dance; music; adornment -its all in the service of connecting to the ancestors of old to receive messages for the good of the community.