African Women Gold Diamond Fashion Party Jewellery 10004

African Women Gold Diamond Fashion Party Jewellery. 

By Aamir Mannan.

African Bead Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry perhaps Africa is best know for its handmade beautiful beadwork. The beads produced in Africa are often called trade beads due to the fact that for many centuries they were used in exchange for goods (used as currency). The earliest known beaded jewelry ever discovered is from approximately 10,000 B.C. and comes from Libya. Ancient Egypt also produced beautiful bead work dating back to 2,200 B.C.

Many tribes in Africa create stunning beadwork. Zulu bead jewelry is created based on long standing traditions, and their designs convey important information about the wearer. For example a particular necklace may indicate where the wearer is from or what family they belong to. Maasai beaded jewelry is created based on strict tribal rules pertaining to the colors and design. Maasai women wear very beautiful beaded jewelry on special occasions such as weddings. Women of the Pokot tribe who live in Kenya and Uganda are known for wearing beautiful broad beaded collars and necklaces. The women of the Turkana tribe, who live in the Turkana district in Kenya's Rift Valley Province, wear beadwork that indicates their social status. Yoruba kings of Nigeria were known for their incredible beaded crowns.