Unique Gifts - Are They A Thing Of The Past By Nicole Maschwitz At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Lets face it times have changed long gone are the days of knitting and crocheting. Today with the introduction of computers & X box the next generation is more interested in helping Scratch from ice age rather than doing embroidery or knitting. In addition, we have mass production of machine made goods from China and other countries that now unique is becoming more rare.

Have you ever wanted to buy something that was unique, truly unique, handcrafted no two items identical? Well I have made it my personal quest to find Unique.

Let me start by saying that on a trip to Africa, I most definitely found it. The African tribal people would undoubtedly have to be some of the most talented people in the world. There Beadwork/Wirework sculptures are truly amazing. Yes you heard right!

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 experiencing a wirework revolution. Numbers of talented artisans, are making these steel wire sculptures and then beading them with bright bold colors.

They use a galvanized pliable wire, they start by constructing a shape, it could be an animal or in some cases they use bottles, they start by molding the wire around the bottle. Then comes the intriguing part, they bead these shapes and bottles with the most amazing colors. The beadwork itself is complex and difficult, in the past women dominated this incredible art of beading, however now the items are readily made and sold to tourists, both males and females alike now do the beadwork.

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.

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