Clay beads date as far back as 1000 BC in various regions across the world. In Africa, clay beads were used as trade beads in countries such as Ghana and Mali. Clay beads were mainly adorned by the poor due to their affordability. In contrast to the rare precious stones and metals that the rich could wear, clay was available in abundance. Clay beads were traditionally used in prayer strands as well as in amulets as jewelry. The beads were typically designed with large holes that could accommodate leather thongs as strands. Today, some nations prize their clay bead heritage so much that they prohibit their export.

Click to shop African Clay Beads

Originally found in West African countries such as the Ivory Coast, boule beads are made from brass and strung to produce beautiful jewelry. Boule beads were part of a family tradition of bead making, with tools and techniques being passed on from generation to generation. The Hausa of West Africa were particularly known to dominate the bead trade as they traveled extensively to locate beads in villages, modify them and sell them to both local and foreign merchants. These beads were originally used to make ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets that would serve as symbols of power, wealth and status in society.

Click to shop Boule Brass Beads

Photos courtesy of Jan Wellington – Slickrock Beads

Strands contain Metal Bicone Beads, Heishi Beads, Tabular Brass, and Glass Ghana Beads.

Want to show off beads that you purchased from us?  No problem.  E-mail us pictures at store@rexbeads.com

Updated 2/3/2012 with more pictures!

Photos courtesy of Dolores Stone – Stones by Dolores

Strands contain Coral Beads, Batik Bone Beads, Sand Cast Beads, Ghana Beads, Krobo Beads, Heishi Beads, and More!

Want to show off beads that you purchased from us?  No problem.  E-mail us pictures at store@rexbeads.com

This blog is an expansion of our web-store, Rex’s African Bead Shop (rexbeads.com).  If you are interested in purchasing any of the products mentioned here, please visit our store.

Thank You, and enjoy your stay.

Vinyl beads from Nigeria are made from vinyl recycled from old records. These are typically very thin, feature a hole that is about 1mm wide and may be strung bead to bead on a piece of string to create unique and attractive necklaces.  Commonly available in colors such as blue and red, these African trade beads were especially popular in the 20th century in countries such as Nigeria. Vinyl beads from Nigeria may be used to create beautiful necklaces which may then be used to showcase an exquisite handmade pendant as its focal point. Vinyl beads from Nigeria are therefore ideal for both traditional and contemporary necklace and bracelet designs.

Click here to Shop African Vinyl Beads

Here are a few pictures of the Bead Making Process from Africa.  Included pictures are of the making of the molds, the firing of the beads, adding of designs, and the final product.  Most of the beads shown are Ghana and Kakamba Beads.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Anderson – Gigi & James

Strands contain Padre Beads, Ghana Glass Beads, Olumbo Beads, White Hearts and Bembe Cote Beads.

Want to show off beads that you purchased from us?  No problem.  E-mail us pictures at store@rexbeads.com

Photos courtesy of Jacque Entzminger – Gogograndmothers

Description:
The red bead represents AIDS, the black bead, death, and the heart is a gogo caring for orphaned children. The three sand cast beads represent three orphans a typical gogo cares for. The cross symbolizes the love of Jesus for the gogos and orphaned children. The green beads represent a gogo’s garden and yellow bead, the maize she grows. The “O” (for orphan) bead represents the village Early Childhood Development Centers where trained caregivers feed and educate vulnerable children. The clay bead symbolizes the handmade bricks used to build homes and an ECDC center. The silver beads represent our prayers and love for one another.

Gogograndmothers is a non-profit ministry of SAFE-Africa. We provide food security, educational opportunity and spiritual hope to a village gogo and the orphans in her care through sponsorships ($30/month) and fundraising. The story bracelet is one of the things we sell to spread the word and raise funds. More information about our ministry can be found at Gogograndmothers.com.

Strands contain Krobo Beads, White Hearts, Silver Beads, Bicone Beads, and Kakamba Beads

Levi Strauss & Company recently purchased a large number of Beads from Rex’s African Bead Shop for in-store/in-window displays. These beads can be seen in any Levi’s branded store for the next few months.

Strands contain Padre Beads, Snake Beads, and White Hearts.

Want to show off beads that you purchased from us?  No problem.  E-mail us pictures at store@rexbeads.com