UPDATE: We have received many emails asking where people can purchase the fun bone beads pictured below. We have found that The Bead Chest African Bead Superstore has the best selection of these awesome bone beads.

According to several independent research studies, as well as reports

African Bone Beads

provided by statistic database Nationmaster; 80% of the ‘top ten’ countries with the highest birthrate in the world (as of 2008) are within Africa. Niger tops the scale with a whopping 49.62 births per 1000 of the population, closely followed by Mali and Uganda in second and third place, with 49.38, and 48.15 births per 1000 respectively. South Africa as a whole bears 20.12 per thousand. When compared with the likes of the United States who average 14.18, and the United Kingdom at 10.65; there is clearly an overwhelming difference – perhaps surprising given how often we hear reports of vast increases in the statistics for teenage pregnancy.

The concurring reasoning for such high birthrates within Africa as a continent, is the lack of contraception available to the populace, particularly  within the most impoverished areas such as Niger, Ghana and Ethiopia. Here too, the AIDS epidemic continues to grow, spread and hinder the lifespan of entire generations – all because of a lack of available contraceptives.

Senegal, in the heart of Western Africa represents a country now opening it’s eyes to the issues of mass-breeding , from both a financial and economical perspective. The country may not be as impoverished as Ethiopia, yet there is still widespread poverty on a noticeable scale. Studies still suggest that only 10% of married women within Senegal actually use contraception, despite the increase in availability of both the oral contraceptive pill, and other variants. Many women (even in the ‘developed’ Western world) attest to the contraceptive pill not being the most versatile of family planning tools, largely because it does not provide protection if the user forgets to take it within a 24 hour period.

So what possible answer is there, that will both aid and encourage the women of Senegal to adopt a more sensible approach to family planning? Strangely, it could prove to be a small decorative piece of art, that has been used for adornment and ritual natively, for many hundreds of years – Bone beads! Long favored for their versatility, color and the ease by which they can be polished to a wondrous shine, Bone beads have been used as currency during trade; symbolism/ gifting during rituals and rites of passage, and as personal adornment to ward off evil spirits.

While evidence exists to suggest the women of Senegal have long been using brown and white bone beads, upon a simple strung circle to replicate and keep up with their menstrual cycles, it is Georgetown University of Washington D.C. who have pioneered the ‘CycleBeads’ now being handed out in the country. CycleBead strings comprise of 32 coloured beads upon a circular raffia, each representing a day of the female reproductive cycle. Red dyed bone beads represent the start of menstruation, while the white are significant of the fertile window. Natural brown bone beads indicate when conception would be at it’s unlikeliest.

CycleBeads have not been developed to resolve the contraception issues of Senegal. Rather, they have been designed to educate and encourage women about their fertility and family planning responsibilities. Many women, for religious, or personal reasoning, are still disinclined to adopt the contraceptive pill, and would rather rely upon natural methods of contraception. The aim of these African bone beads is to prompt women to think more logically about their sexual health and family planning. Since 2008, they have been proving to be a slow, but certain success story, and a trend crossing the boundaries into other parts of Africa’s sub-Saharan territories.

Snake Beads have long been a fascinating variant of African trade bead for

Nigerian Snake Beads, coral color.

jewelry artisans, and collectors. The simplicity of their inter-locking characteristic, coupled with the fascinating hues by which they are now produced have made them versatile for all kinds of modern jewelry – including African waist beads.

The African Snake Beads you see today, are largely reproductions, despite many traders still offering the original Bohemian variants, which can be up to 150 years old. These were made during the height of glass bead production within Czechoslovakia, and are still the most sought after types of Snake Beads on the market.

Czech glass Snake Beads were designed to replicate the actual snake vertebrae of a coiled serpent. Snake vertebrae were used by the indigenous tribes of South Africa for many thousands of years, prior to the capabilities for glass production, and were considered an amulet of protection to many.

Tribes such as the Asanti, Krobo and Yoruba have a significant naturalistic faith; to the extent that they believe spirits accommodate any element of the earth, be it living, mineral or dead. The snake bite tends to be considered a bad omen, particularly since many native African serpents are known to be deadly. The only method by which an individual can be cured of a poisonous bite (according to tribal belief), is if the perpetrating snake is killed; it’s poison mixed with a concoction of hot milk, and a certain bone found within the back of the serpent’s head thrown into the mixture. It is thought application of the bone and mixture to the bite would draw out the poisonous impurities, replacing them with a neutralized substance that would aid healing. Whether this actually worked is subject to speculation, however the Yoruba still wear natural snake vertebrae to discourage venomous attacks, by animals considered to be possessed by negative spirits.

Snake Beads proved to be considerably popular during the 19th Century trade movement between Africa and Europe. Czechoslovakia was fast catching up with Venetian production by this time, although recognized the cost-effective benefits of producing simpler beads with far less decorative attributes. Snake Beads were the obvious option, partly due to the nature of their characteristics, yet also because they were highly prized by the many tribes encountered, during trade trips to Africa.  Despite the sliced aesthetic of Snake Beads, they were actually manufactured using the glass molding method – not dissimilar to the manner by which recycled glass beads are made in the Krobo today.

The 1960′s were a time of considerable revival for all manner of trade beads, as Africa began realizing the value of their carefully stashed antiques, and began exporting them in significant quantities. The increase of mass tourism to sub-Saharan areas also commenced a fascination with Snake Beads. The ‘hippie’ era of the late 60′s proved to be a particularly appreciative customer base, as the connecting beads were considered very Bohemian for styles of the time. Jim Morrison is alleged to have been a big fan, and wore a chain of Snake Beads in the Joel Brodsky ‘Young Lion’ photograph (1967).

Today, African Snake Beads are still evidently as popular among ‘Boho’ fashionistas as they were during the 1960′s, however their popularity has been further fueled by celebrity trends. The pop singer Rihanna was photographed in August 2010 upon the cover of ‘Seventeen’ magazine wearing a string of colored Snake Beads. The Snake Bead aesthetic has even borne a replica bead stitch known as ‘tubular Ndebele’, created by tribes within Zimbabwe to simulate the interlocking ‘one-ness’ of Snake Beads. As African and eco-fashions continue to dominate modern trends, it is likely we will be seeing far more of Snake Beads over the next few years.

Persuasive marketing encouraging ‘responsible shopping’ is not a new concept. In fact, the tool has been used for years by charitable and welfare organizations, in a bid to highlight the impoverished conditions many African employees work in, as well as the appalling rates of pay, and even the environmental impact certain processes have upon global warming. No matter where you browse on-line, you cannot fail to have been presented with banner ad’s highlighting such issues. Most of them tend to go ignored.

Responsible Shopping and Africa

What does the ‘responsible shopping’ concept have to do with Africa? Plenty! In fact, you’d be surprised at how just a small minority of people conforming to alternative shopping habits could actually benefit the social, economical and health welfare of the impoverished citizens throughout Africa. Changing your bead shopping habits from a supplier who sources from the Far East, to a supplier who deals directly with African artisans, will put money into the economy, boost the market, and increase interest in the African retail sector. If the incentive of quality workmanship and unique works of art aren’t enough to convince, you could actually be saving a lot of money too!

Changing Your Bead Buying Habits

Whether you’re an impulsive collector, or a retailer yourself, changing the

Old Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads

manner by which you source your African beads will have a direct effect upon the regional African wholesaler that retails them. Such wholesalers are usually employers of many hundreds of bead artisans, all of whom have chosen this particular industry because they are trying to make a better life for themselves. Such wholesalers/ employers tend to be organizations intent on improving the conditions for such people, as well as maintaining a consistent wage for them. Think about it. If you, and ten other people around the world changed your buying habits per day, the African economy would see a considerable boost. It is the organizations within Africa who are trying to get this message across.

Doing Your Research

Part and parcel of becoming a responsible and socially conscious on-line shopper, is an understanding of the source-to-shopper, or supply chain. That is, where your beads come from, who made them, who sells them on, and who benefits from the profits. The really responsible will always ensure there are no ‘middle-men’ when buying their beads. But how do you find out?

The simplest way is to ask. Most online retailers of African trade beads are proud to conform to ethically responsible trading, supporting the regional economies of Africa by sourcing products direct from the producers, and will stipulate this wherever possible on their website. Unfortunately, many do not, so you have to inquire. If your retailer cannot, or refuses to name a specific area, organization or artisan group from which the beads are sourced, this should be enough to prevent you from buying from their site. How do you know the beads are authentic if you don’t know where they came from?

Giving Something Back

The real thrill of responsible shopping, is in the knowing you are giving something back (in terms of sustained and continued support) to a group of individuals, be it within Ghana, Ethiopia or Nigeria, who are actively seeking to improve their conditions, lifestyles and futures. Many consumers are quick to jump on the anti-charity bandwagon, claiming they cannot see where their money is being used, or that they don’t feel it is ‘deserved’ by people less fortunate. By shopping for trade beads responsibly, you are actually helping those who either see bead craft as their last hope, or who want to make a fulfilling and life affirming career from this art.

Big name organizations such as Fashion Fights Poverty, and Beads of Awareness are already increasing the international retail opportunities for the Krobo village tribespeople, along with some of the Ashante living within Kumasi. Both tribes are renowned for their recycled bead production, but also with the production of stunning tribal jewelry, that is now being showcased upon catwalks around the world with Gucci, Prada and Valentino! You too can support such change, by simply adopting a new shopping attitude. Feel good for knowing you’re giving something back!

]]> http://www.africanbeads.org/african-trade-beads-fighting-poverty/feed/ 5 http://www.africanbeads.org/african-waist-beads/ http://www.africanbeads.org/african-waist-beads/#comments Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:36:22 +0000 African Beads http://www.africanbeads.org/?p=71

Krobo Fancy Powderglass Beads

Synonymous with both fertility and feminism;  African waist beads are thought to originate among the Yoruba tribes of Africa – a significant proportion of the population of which, is now settled within Nigeria. Conversely, the tradition also extends to Western Africa, notably Ghana, where women perceive African waist beads to be both a sign of wealth/ aristocracy, and of femininity.

The Western fascination with African waist beads has been a long and debated one, with many of the impression they are purely worn to attract a mate’s attention. While there is some evidence to suggest this is true, the reasoning for the wearing of such adornments is actually far deeper, and goes back many hundreds of years.

Due to the sheer diversity of sub-tribes falling within the Yoruban categorization, there are many conflicting reports regarding the primary functionality of waist beads. The general consensus however, is that Yoruba people perceive glass beads to be the source of life, and ‘of the Earth’. It is perhaps unsurprising then, that the supernatural beliefs relating  to the wearing of beads for birth control, and as a source of protection to pregnant women, are still upheld today.

The more frequently discussed symbolism associated with African waist beads, is that of sensuality and seduction. Among the Yoruba tribes, the belief in superstition, spirit, and the energies of the Earth has lent itself to the magical properties of African trade beads and glass beads. Yoruban women are said to ‘lace’ beads with incantations, and symbolic charms, which assist in the persuasive powers they have over men. Brides lure their new husbands with the promising rattle of waist beads – however such behavior is also thought to be communicative of fertility, at certain times of the month.

Ghana, regarded as the ‘bead production capital of the World’, has held a long fascination with beads as both ornamental, and symbolic adornments. The wearing of waist beads among the Asante tribe is still a popular, and even fashionable trend today. Although modern belief tends to be limited to the aesthetic benefits of waist beads, some Asante tribeswomen still wear them as symbols of chastity, femininity and status indicators. Mostly, they are loved as a fashion item which cinches the waist, and accentuates the natural curvaceous figure of African women – a figure that most men instinctively find attractive anyway!

]]> http://www.africanbeads.org/african-waist-beads/feed/ 3 http://www.africanbeads.org/kenyan-designer-african-bead-fashion-new-york/ http://www.africanbeads.org/kenyan-designer-african-bead-fashion-new-york/#comments Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:54:53 +0000 African Beads http://www.africanbeads.org/?p=75

2009 was a very big year for Kenya-born jewelry artist Nasimiyu Wekesa.

Large Mali Wedding Beads

Not only did she receive a feature-spread within several notable publications – she also enjoyed the exposure of her creations at New York’s ‘Couture’ Fashion Week that same year.

Nasimiyu has been living in the United States for the past fifteen years, yet much of her heart still belongs to Africa. Every aspect of her jewelry, which ranges from chunky, focal African trade bead necklaces; to delicate multi-strand collars featuring an infusion of Christmas and Kazuri beads, is designed befitting of the elegance of African women. She has a particular fascination with Kenyan beads.

Describing her bead creations as “an extension of her soul”, Nasimiyu’s childhood collection of Mali wedding beads, and Venetian trade beads is a wonder to behold. She describes the significance behind her collection as akin to the “history of her life”. Each bead or bead string has been gifted unto her, or a member of her family, and are regarded as part and parcel of the rites throughout life. These include coming of age, betrothal to a husband, marriage and family planning. “I am bringing back the path of the answers of life together, by stringing their past to the present.”

The achievement of her jewelry featuring alongside the haute couture creations of acclaimed designer Andres Aquino, has been well worth the self-confessed toils until 12a.m of a morning. Yet Nasamiyu’s motivations go far deeper than just reaping the rewards and recognition that personal success brings.

She is a staunch supporter, and ambassador of the Born To Aid Foundation – (which she herself founded) and continues to support by donating 10% of her profits, on a month-by-month basis. Set up to improve the lives of children afflicted by Aids, or having experienced the loss of a relative due to the disease; Nasamiyu hopes that the recognition she receives will further highlight the vital work that still needs to be done in Kenya.

Since her showcase in 2009, Nasimiyu has been reaping the benefits of the exposure, and creating more stunning pieces of African inspired jewelry. To her, this is not simply a fundraising drive, nor just a means to a living. It’s about maintaining the love and connection with her Kenyan homeland, and weaving a part of it’s history into every piece she makes!

When I started this blog, I told you why I love African beads. Well, now I am going to tell you about some of the most beautiful African beads.

West Africa is home to one of Africa’s largest beading industries. Ghana is known as one of the greatest producers of ethnic and tribal beads. Some of the most popular African beads, as well as glass trade beads, originate from West Africa. Here are five of the most common examples of West African beads.

Recycled Powder Glass Beads

Recycled glass beads are some of the most basic beads made in Ghana. They are made using the Powder Glass Bead method. The bead maker collects glass scrap, such as used Coca cola and beer bottles. They crush them, and use the glass to make these cool beads. For all of you environmentally conscious beaders out there, these are the beads for you!

Krobo Glass Beads

Krobo beads are made using a method very much like the method used to make Ghana recycled glass beads. The difference is that these beads are much more intricate, and are very often designed using paint as well. Krobo beads are made by the famous Krobo people of West Africa, and strands usually run anywhere from $16 to $30, depending on the age and design.

Baoule Brass Beads

Baoule are a type of brass beads made using the lost wax technique. They are made by the Baule tribe, known for their intricate methods of creating brass beads, jewelry, and pendants. The Baoule people originally descended from the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. These beads can often times be difficult to find, as their production is not consistent.

Bauxite Beads

Bauxite beads are made from Aluminum Ore. They are simple in design, but they give a certain vibe, especially when used in jewelry. Their natural look is often refreshing, when compared to other highly produced beads from West Africa.

Beads from Mali

Not quite up to the level of Ghana in terms of quantity of production, but Mali produces some very beautiful beads. The most sought after beads from Mali are their wedding beads, which are perhaps the most vibrant African beads on the market. They also produce some beautiful clay beads, and spindle whorl beads.

I hope you enjoy these beads. As always, I recommend shopping at The Bead Chest. They have a beautiful selection of African beads, unbelievable customer service, fast shipping…and, well, they’re just great. Here’s a tip: use coupon code 5OFFORDER during checkout to get an extra 5% off

On Monday evening, The Bead Chest, a leading retailer and wholesaler of African beads and trade beads, announced that it was undercutting DANNIJO’s price on Zula Trade Beads by over 90%.

DANNIJO’s Zula Trade Beads made their debut in the August 2010 issue of Seventeen Magazine, worn by Barbados-American pop star Rihanna. DANNIJO priced three strands of the glass snake beads at $595. The Bead Chest is selling each strand for approximately $20, costing you under $65 including shipping costs to the United States (they also ship international).

This is really an unbelievable deal, and we highly recommend any interested buyers jump on this before its too late! You can use AfricanBeads.org exclusive coupon code “5offblogorder” during checkout for an additional 5% off your order.

The Bead Chest carries a wide variety of African beads, trade beads, and antique beads, including an impressive selection of Recycled Glass Beads, Bone beads, and more.

African beads have been a source of exquisite beauty around the world for generations. The primary reason for this can be attributed to Africa’s diverse array of natural resources.

The following are some common types of beads made from materials found in various parts of Africa.

Seed and Nut beads are easy to find and make and are found in nearly all African communities. The seeds provide a wide range of colors and textures. They are easy to manipulate. You can soak seeds overnight to soften them, and then use wire or string to put them together. Nut beads can be used as centerpieces for beadwork.

Shell and bone beads are made from cowry shells to ostrich egg shells. These African beads make fine jewelry pieces. They are usually used to adorn clothing items such as African shirts and give them an authentic look.

Tusk and teeth beads are now rare to find, but they make beautiful white or cream beads, though tusk beads are more fragile than other types of beads.

Stone and metal beads were uncommon in Africa for many centuries due to lack of the proper tools to make them, but once they discovered them, these made the most durable of beads.

Glass and clay beads are two types of African beads that give good quality adornments, and they are easy to use and can be combined to make more brilliant pieces.

Ceramic and bamboo beads are ideal for smooth pieces of beads that come in cool pastel colors. They can be made to decorate household pieces like lampshades and tea cozies.

Bone and horn beads  - Bones have been a common bead material. The Elk rib bones were the first material for the long, tubular beads. Presently, these beads are usually made of water buffalo and bison bones.

Chevron beads - These are special glass beads, formerly made for trade in the New World and the slave trade in Africa by African glassmakers. They are made of many successive layers of colored glass. Original beads which were made for trade to the New World as well as Africa were usually made of green, white, red and blue layers.

Ethnic African beads - These beads are made in West Africa. Some examples include Nigerian and Ghanaian powder glass beads, and Mauritanian Kiffa beads.

Lampwork beads  are made by using a torch to heat a rod of glass. The resulting thread is spun around a metal rod that is covered in bead release. After the base bead is formed, other colors of glass can be added to the surface creating many designs.

Perhaps some of the most beautiful African beads are the Millefiori trade beads. These beads, known for their beautiful flower design, are sought after by collector’s around the world. Because Millefiori beads are all handmade, each and every bead is unique and one of a kind, making these beads extremely collectible.

Millefiori beads have several different names:

• Mosaic beads
  These beads are typically ornate. Mosaic beads are made with colorful fused segments of glass cane ( long drawn rods of glass).
• Love beads
  This name was used mostly during the hippie era in the ’60′s and ’70′s. Very rarely are Millefiori beads called “love beads” today. Perhaps because other African beads have adopted the name of Love Beads.
• Trade beads
  Because Millefiori beads are the most popular form of trade beads, many people simply call them trade beads.

Millefiori beads are created with many layers of vibrant, colorful glass fused together in cross sections and then plastered onto the surface of the bead. The surface of Millefiori beads can have all sorts of designs ranging from abstract patterns, to flowers and faces.

You can buy Millefiori beads here.

Some of the most beautiful bone beads come from Africa. African bone beads are very often dyed using a process known as batik. These Batik bone beads from Africa are beautiful when used in necklaces and even bracelets.

Made in Ghana, Africa, batik bone beads are typically strung on raffia, but you can easily cut and break up strands and use the loose beads in the jewelry you create. African bone beads are also beautiful worn as is, on the raffia string.

They come in all different designs such as star, zebra, striped, traditional, arrow, and many more. These beads typically run for $13 – $40 a strand, depending on the age, design, condition, and availability. You can get your African bone batik beads here.