Discover the Unique Gifts of Africa
by: NicoleMaschwitz |
Total views: 6 |
Word Count: 447 | Print View
Africa is a country well known for its incredible works of art. Their stone and wood sculptures are known to most, but as of late the most appealing works of art are their amazing beadwork. This technique has been past down through the generations hundreds of years in fact.
Some of the ancient artifacts have been made using anything from seeds to eggs, stones, and metals. However, in today's world most of the beadwork is done using glass beads.
First came the discovery of glass beads by the Egyptians, eventually trade routes were set up with the people of South Africa, trading was common, Ivory and and other valuables were traded for glass beads.
The South Africans skillfully designed these beautiful artworks using wire together with the glass beads. The designs they created were breathtaking, the designs included motorbikes, cars, wall art, decorative bottles and any animal. Firstly the construct the frame using wire they then use colored beads to decorate.
In Africa many families are very poor and they could not afford glass beads. Families started making toys from just wire. The popularity of the wire structures became so popular with overseas tourists, they started extending the art form by adding the coloured glass beads to their designs. You can now find designs anywhere from drums to cars. Even security guards at night starting decorating their "Knockberries" with bright colourful telephone wire, just to keep them awake during their night watch.
Even though copper color coded wires where used in creating wire art, one can now find wire sculptures of musical instruments, animals, bicycles, and many other sculptures fashioned from steel wire, and can also be found not only is a studio, but also at flea markets, and roadside stands. These would make fantastic and unique gifts for anyone.
You need to see this artwork to believe it, once you see the passion and creativity, that has been put into each design. The designs are never ending they can make trees, butterflies, spider webs. You will also find decorative wire bowls, bracelets, reptiles. Colourful plates made from wire and matching under plates can also be seen.
Zulu artisans and crafters began selling their designs in public markets instead of roadside stands in order to drive more customers; however many wire artists realized the vale of the sculptures and opened up art shops and galleries to display their creative designs.
If you know someone who fancies cultural art from many different cultures, or just one particular culture, wire art would make a unique gift, in their collection, it will definitely draw attention to any art collection, with such prominent colors.
About the Author
When your in the market for some great Gift Ideas please come and see our complete giftrange
Rating: Not yet rated
