The Canadian Family

Times have certainly changed, knitting and sewing which are exceptional crafts are diminishing slowly, This generation of children are more interested with X box and Wii than with sewing and knitting. Not to mention the mass production of goods from china and alike, finding unique is becoming rarer by the day.

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.

Traditionally over the years, the tribal women were renowned for their beadwork in ceremonial costumes and for there basket weaving, put the two together and they started creating the most beautiful designs.

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.

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.