African beads are being used now for hundreds of years to create the most beautiful jewelry. This kind of art was taken on as part if their historical culture by the Zulus, a tribe in South Africa. Worn by women as well men, this African beadwork which was made using glass beads or trade beads had messages woven into them by way of colors and shapes. Certain items were made to be worn for particular occasions. In the olden days, this occupation of making beadwork and jewelry from the African beads or trade beads was done by only the women. But today there is no such thing and anybody can be employed in it to eke out a living considering the very low employment rate there. And today’s beadwork may no longer carry any messages or meanings. The African ethnic jewelry is normally made from African beads made from glass which are usually known as trade beads. They are very often used with silver beads which are handmade to make them look even better. If one is making a necklace, a handmade silver pendant may be attached. The various regions of Africa each have their own sense of style; for instance African jewelry from the West usually has circular patterns. African beads used in various items are a strong part of tradition of the Zulu tribe as well as other African tribes. Trade beads originated several centuries ago probably even before the earliest European settler, Henry Francis Fynn, who settled down in Natal in the year 1824. The Zulu tribes came to value these trade beads very much and then began to use them in several items and make messages in them which were later sent to lovers as well as friends. Trade beads were perhaps first used in trade in Africa when the Chaldeans, Sumerians and Egyptians were there about thirty centuries ago. Since the Zulus themselves were unable to make these African beads then, they got to valuing them highly and made use of them in their local crafts making different items and using them as a means of communication. The colors and patterns used to weave the Zulu beadwork would contain certain symbols and messages from which one would come to know whether a woman was still single, engaged to a man already or was a new mother. In Africa today, you will find that the Zulu and other African tribes are very involved in making beautiful pieces crafted from African beads. These beaded items might include items of utilitarian value like beaded bowls and other decorative items that are very much cherished in other countries. In South Africa, you will even see people sitting by the roadside trying their best to sell their wares to those that pass by and they will often be seen working on the craft with trade beads as they wait for their next customer.
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