Metals

Bronze Tubular Beads

Made according to the 'Lost Wax' process, in Ivory Coast & by the Ashanti people in Ghana, when new they are coated with a thin layer of gold which disappears through wear.  They are particularly unique and striking.

Ethiopian Silver Beads

These beads have been around for hundreds of years, they have been traded all around the world for various commodities and can be categorised as Trade Beads. The Ethiopians continue to make beads in the present day and these silver beads are very attractive and often used as spacers in all kinds of jewellery. The beads and pendants are made of a light-weight metal, some of them are made from two separate pieces and you can visibly see the seam in the middle. These are usually old and have a weathered look. The Telsum people made pendants and larger beads for which they had various meanings to them. The protection boxes were believed to protect the wearer.  The silver charms were believed to have phallic symbolism and increase fertility.

African Metal Beads

There are various other metal beads hand made in Africa. The Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria soften brass by heating it and hammering it into shape. In Zimbabwe the people there make copper twist beads from telephone wires and aluminium beads from old pots. The Ethiopians make brass and silver bi-cone beads, as do the Nigerians and Ghanaians.