| Is Unique a Thing Of The Past | | Print | |
| Written by Nicole Maschwitz | ||||||
| Saturday, 09 August 2008 | ||||||
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Finding something unique these days is hard to come by. Once upon a time, unique was common, with sewing, and knitting being the fore front of daily activities. Today however is a diffferent story, this generation are much more interested in Play station than knitting or sewing. And then throw into the mix the mass production of goods and unique is almost impossible to find.
Finding something unique these days is hard to come by. Once upon a time, unique was common, with sewing, and knitting being the fore front of daily activities. Today however is a diffferent story, this generation are much more interested in Play station than knitting or sewing. And then throw into the mix the mass production of goods and unique is almost impossible to find. 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 folk from the Ndebele and Zulu tribes convey themselves through this very art. Years ago they used their beadwork for ceremonial wares, and headresses, using raw materials, but with overseas guests presenting them with more modern materials, there beadwork has turned into something with a more modern feel. Customarily over the years, the women in the tribes were well- known for their beading of costumes and also the weaving of baskets. Put these two practices together and they started creating the most oustanding creations. Today Africa is is on the brink of a wirework revolution. These talented people are making the most amazing creations. The wire sculptures are made from a pliable wire. They start by moulding the wire into these amazing shapes. Elephants, Giraffes, not to mention moulding the wire onto bottles. Next they start beading, bead after bead before you know it you have these mesmirising sculptures. Truly unbelievable! Not only is it imperative that you have a steady hand but you also need lots of patience. This once was a field dominated primarily by women but now with the artwork reaching people worldwide, both females and males alike now do the beading. Due to the unemployment rate in Africa being so high, its a familiar practice for the women in the nearby villages to bead. The tradition of beading has been around for a long time and the skill has been past along from one generation to the next. Traders frequently visit markets and also sell their works from the pavements. Its quite a common practice to see the streets lined with artisans selling their own works and that of there villages. The beadwork not only requires patience and a steady hand, but you need an eye for detail. Every piece of work is unique with no two works of art being identical. The designs vary so much from African animals, to decorative bottles, not to mention novelty toys for the children such as motorbikes and cars. Africa is an exceptional place, with such talented people. There beadwork is brilliant. Old age traditions with modern creative designs. Definatley worth a look! Article Author:
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 21 August 2010 ) | ||||||
