All Over Africa

All Over Africa - silver Tuareg Cross strung with African Trade beads, African white brass beads, Krobo beads from Ghana, and two antique Sun Baule Brass beads.

Approx 28" continuously.

Obviously I love beads from all over the world. And African beads are no exception. This piece has beads from at least four different cultures and regions of Africa.

The Tuareg Cross was an antique store find that could be white brass or fine silver, they use both types of metals. These crosses have a great history from Berber traditions to modern day Islam. The origin is a cross is given to a young man to protect him as he went out into the world. There is more to it, and the research was fascinating.

The Krobo beads from Ghana are modern beads made from recycled glass. These are some of my favorites.

Trade beads have a very long history that can fill multiple books.

So, by studying the beads, I get to learn about all sorts of cultures and their traditions. Then create something beautiful from my new information.