Are Unique Gifts In The Past

Let's face it times have changed long gone are the days of knitting and crocheting. Today with the introduction of computers & X box the next generation is more interested in helping Scratch from ice age rather than doing embroidery or knitting. In addition, we have mass production of machine made goods from China and other countries that now unique is becoming more rare.

Have you ever wanted to buy something that was different, you know soemthing that stands out from the rest. Well i have made it my personal mission to find things that are unique. On my last trip to Africa, I found it! The Africans would unquestionably have to be amongst the most talented nation in the world. They make these incredible wirewrork sculptures. Amazing!

These gifted artisans from the Ndebele and Zulu tribes articulate themselves through this extrordinary art. Many years ago their beadwork was primarily used for ceremomnial wares. Collecting natural material from the bush they would make their costumes and Jewellery. But then came the introduction of beads sourced through visitors from overseas. There beadwork now takes on a whole new shape and form.

Over the years it has been tradition in the villages to bead and basket weave. The women were renowned for their beadwork and basket weaving skills, put these two skills together and before long they were creating these amazing sculptures.

Today Africa is experiencing a wirework revolution. Numbers of talented artisans, are making these steel wire sculptures and then beading them with bright bold colors. They use a galvanized pliable wire, they start by constructing a shape, it could be an animal or in some cases they use bottles, they start by moulding the wire around the bottle. Then comes the intriguing part, they bead these shapes and bottles with the most amazing colors. The beadwork itself is complex and difficult, in the past women dominated this incredible art of beading, however now the items are readily made and sold to tourists, both males and females alike now do the beadwork.

Due to Africa's high unemployment rate, its common practice for the women in the villages to sit and bead. The tradition of beading is past on through the generations. Traders from each village collectively sell there work at nearby markets and street stalls. It is an everyday occurrence to see these talented artisans sitting on the pavement constructing and beading the most amazing creations. Amazing is an understatement, they have to be seen to be believed! The task requires a steady hand and lots of patience. Each design is unique and charismatic; no two pieces are the same. The types of designs they create vary, you can find wall art such as spider webs and butterflies not to mention animal sculptures, motorbikes & beaded bottles, the array of products and designs are certainly endless.

Africa is an amazing place, with extraordinary people. Their beadwork is first class. An age old tradition, with creative new designs to suit the modern world. This truly is exceptional artisanship.

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Nicole Maschwitz writes about unique Gifts. When you are in the market to shop for unique bags, gifts,or decor, please visit & browse their selection of products from around the world at: www.gifthu

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