Amagama art

Beads, known as ubuhlalu in the Zulu language, hold profound spiritual meaning within the culture. These vibrant ornaments are not only decorative, but they also serve as symbols of identity, connection to ancestors and spiritual guidance. Each colour represents spiritual meaning and ancestral connections. Traditionally worn by individuals with an ancestral calling. This calling may manifest as a dream, which can be interpreted by spiritual practitioners such as inyanga (divine healer) or a sangoma (tradtional healer). Their wisdom helps individuals navigate their spiritual responsibilities, including wearing of specific beads that resonate with their personal journeys, connecting with their spiritual lineage.   Meaning of beads by colour Each colour of beads has its own distinct significance, reflecting spiritual beliefs. White (Isithunywa somoya, phakamisa idlozi, kukhanya): White beads represent peace, luck and light. It is associated with spiritual purity. Wearing white be...

The history of beading in South Africa has been embedded in African culture for centuries, carrying significant meaning in cultural, spiritual and social practices. This tradition has been passed on from generation to generation, holding a significant impact on African people's lives. The Khoisan roots and cultural significance The San and Khoikhoi nation are the indigenous people of South Africa. In the early centuries, tribes created early forms of beadwork using natural materials such as bones, stones, seeds and nuts, animal teeth and claws, carved wood, clay beads, ostrich eggshells, shells and natural pigments for colouring. The ornaments and beadwork these ethnic group created held significant value and meaning for social practices. Marriage beadwork carried special significance, with designs showing achievements and life stages, while patterns showed clan affiliations. Beadwork in the spiritual sense were believed to offer protection and were vital in healing ceremonies. Spe...

             Summer Beaded Bangles (Colour: Light Green/Yellow/Dark Green) Tools and supplies: Nylon rope Size 8/0 light green plastic beads Size 8/0 yellow plastic beads Size 8/0 dark green plastic beads Polyester thread Needle Glue gun Glue sticks Measuring tape Scissors Pen Step 1: Measure Your Wrist.  Size Using a measuring tape, measure your wrist circumference. Add 6 cm to this measurement to ensure the bangle will slide smoothly from your hand onto your wrist. For reference, bangles typically come in three sizes: large (24 cm), medium (22 cm), and small (20 cm). Step 2: Measure and Mark the Rope. Using your wrist measurement from Step 1, measure the rope with a measuring tape. This rope will serve as the foundation of your bangle. Mark the desired length on the rope with a pen. Step 3: Cut the Rope Using scissors, cut the rope at the marked length. This will be your bangle's final size. Step 4: Apply Glue Using a hot glue gun...

                           African Zulu Beaded Bangles (Colour: Black/White) Tool and supplies: Nylon rope Size 12/0 black glass beads Size 12/0 white glass beads Polyester thread Needle Glue gun Glue sticks Measuring tape Scissors Pen Step 1: Measure your wrist size.  Using a measuring tape, measure around your wrist. Add 6 cm to your wrist measurement, this extra space will ensure the bangle slides smoothly from your hand onto your wrist. For reference, standard bangle sizes are, large (24 cm), medium (22 cm), and small (20 cm). Step 2: Measure the rope with measuring tape. The measurements recorded with the measuring tape for your wrist will now be used to measure the rope, which is the foundation of the bangle. Use a pen to mark the length size. Step 3: Cut the rope. Using scissors, cut the rope at the mark you made with the pen, which indicates the desired bangle le...

                                                  Summer Beaded Bangles (Colour: Light Green/ Black/ Dark Green/ White/ Yellow) Tools and supplies: Nylon rope Size 8/0 light green plastic beads Size 8/0 black plastic beads Size 8/0 dark green plastic beads Size 8/0 white plastic beads Size 8/0 yellow plastic bead Polyester thread Needle Glue gun Glue sticks Measuring tape Scissors Pen Step 1: Measure the size of your wrist.  Using a measuring tape, measure the size of your wrist. Add 6cm to the measurement of your wrist, the addition will ensure that the bangle moves smoothly from your hand to your wrist. The average size of a bangle is 24cm, medium size bangle is 22cm and small size bangle is 20cm. Step 2: Measure the rope with measuring tape.  The measurements recorded with the measuring tape for your wrist, will now be used to measure...