It can show wealth with
gold or precious metals or stones in bracelets and amulet or it can show power
and status in society.
The oldest African
jewellery discovered was found in 2004, in the Blombos cave in South
Africa. They are estimated at being over 75 000 years old and are small sized,
mollusc shell beads that had been pierced. They have worn areas meaning that
they were probably strung into a necklace or bracelet.
 |
| 2004 Blombos cave beads |
Historically, African jewellery was used
to trade and barter with, mainly in exchange for cloth and food, but also more
sadly for slaves.
African jewellery was rarely just
ornamental, but for religion, rituals and ceremonies. Found objects are often
included and can carry personal and symbolic meanings for the wearer.
African jewellery was customarily created
from organic materials like hide, porcupine quill, bone, animal teeth, animal
hair, seeds, nuts, husks, sea and land shells, egg shell, wood, ivory and
carved stone.
In
Ghana, the coronation of kings and leaders is celebrated with a show of gold
wealth. Gold bracelets, necklaces and rings all have symbolic meaning attached
to the styling.
 |
| Ghana leaders |
Beaded
African jewellery can give out as much information as is written or spoken, it
has its own language and much can be derived about history, culture and status.
In southern and eastern Africa, most inhabitants can wear beaded refinement but
in Yoruba culture it is confined to rulers and in the Cameroon, beads are an
expression of privilege.
The
Kenyan bride wears traditional beaded adornment including aluminium 'birds' to
attract sunlight and therefore the attention of her groom.
No comments:
Post a Comment