Why do Zulus wear beads?

Why do Zulus wear beads?

Zulu beads were historically used as a language between men and women, to express their feelings, relationship status, or to convey a message on the appropriate behaviour expected from the opposite sex. The Zulu’s only use one geometric shape in their beading and jewellery work – the triangle.

What is Zulu jewelry?

Colorful Zulu beaded necklaces and bracelets sets that have been handcrafted by the Zulu woman of South Africa. Hanging form the choker is a set of dangling beads that sit comfortably above the breasts. We have various colors available. This style of Zulu beads is commonly worn today by the Zulu woman of South Africa .

What items are traditionally made from Zulu beadwork?

African Tribal Bead work – Pg 1 The beaded crafts include traditional dolls and Jewelry through to beaded ostrich eggs and beaded coasters. Zulu crafter’s are known worldwide as one of the most detailed and finest craters of traditional hand-woven beaded crafts.

What are the colors of the Zulu tribe?

The Zulu flag is blue, yellow, red and black. Each colour has a positive and negative meaning attached to it.

What does white beads represent?

Since white dresses are a reflection to purity and cleanliness, wearing white beads also promotes sincerity, honesty, purity and cleanliness. The hidden meaning in the color is basically an attraction.

What do the different color waist beads mean?

Color meanings Blue: healing, harmony, insight, truth. Brown: earth, stability. Green: prosperity, fertility, abundance, hope, healing. Purple: spirituality, wisdom, royalty. Red: vitality, passion, bravery, confidence.

What beads symbolize?

Beads, whether sewn on apparel or worn on strings, have symbolic meanings that are far removed from the simplistic empiricism of the Western anthropologist. They, or pendants, may for instance be protective, warding off evil spirits or spells, or they can be good luck charms.

What is Zulu beadwork?

Beadwork is practiced by Zulu women and is passed down through generations by the older women in the family. They become communities of their own and are empowered by their skill and contributions to their communities.

What do yellow beads mean?

Represents sunbeams, warmth, healing and motion. The colour of communication and health, cheerfulness and friendliness. Yellow aids memory and clear thinking, increasing self confidence and optimism, stimulating interest and curiosity.

What are the colors of the Zulu beads?

The seven main colors used by the Zulu craftswomen are green, blue, red, black, white, yellow, and pink. Each of these colors has a positive meaning, however the meaning can be altered by the context in which the beads are used within the jewelry piece.

Do you know the meaning of Zulu jewelry?

People who buy this type of jewelry are usually not aware of the meaning behind the colors and shapes found on the necklace, pendant, or other piece of jewelry they have purchased.

What does a triangle mean in Zulu beadwork?

Each product of the Zulu Beadwork, has the maximum of seven colors in which can be used. The main shape that they use as a marking is a triangle, because of the representation that each endpoint represents. Depending on the markings and symbols that are put together in each piece has its own message.

What does black and yellow mean in beadwork?

With the color coding, when ever black is next to white, it means marriage, red next to Black means an Aching Heart, yellow combined with red and black is usually negative and meaning that they are withering away. Most of the beadwork shapes that are used specify whether that one particular person is single or taken.