Is Unique a Thing Of The Past
Finding something unique these days is hard to come by. Once upon a time, unique was common, with sewing, and knitting being the fore front of daily activities. Today however is a diffferent story, this generation are much more interested in Play station than knitting or sewing. And then throw into the mix the mass production of goods and unique is almost impossible to find.
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 talented artisans from the Ndebele and Zulu tribes express themselves through this very art form. Dating back, they used the beadwork mostly for costume jewelry or ceremonial occasions, using organic materials, but now with the introduction of glass beads through overseas visitors, there artistry has turned to something with a more modern and creative twist.
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 is on the brink of a wirework revolution. These talented people are making the most amazing creations. The wire sculptures are made from a pliable wire. They start by moulding the wire into these amazing shapes. Elephants, Giraffes, not to mention moulding the wire onto bottles. Next they start beading, bead after bead before you know it you have these mesmirising sculptures. Truly unbelievable! Not only is it imperative that you have a steady hand but you also need lots of patience. This once was a field dominated primarily by women but now with the artwork reaching people worldwide, both females and males alike now do the beading.
Africa has such a huge unemployment rate, so its common practice for the woment to bead in the nearby villages. The beading tradition has been past from generation to generation. People from each village sell the beadowork at nearby fetes and market stalls. Everyday the pavements are full of people creating or selling these incredible art works. No two items are the same, each one handcrafted by the individual beader. They create such an array of designs from animal sculptures, to decorative bottles, not to mention these amazing wall sculptures. There are so many designs in so many colors. It’s a definate must see to believe!
Africa is truly an amazing place, with unbelievable folk. There beadwork is exceptional. A tradition of old, with new innovative designs to suit modern day living. A must see!
