BEADS AND CULTURE
Beads have become powerful elements in African life. Their use offers insight into hundreds of cultures. The Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa of Southern Africa use tiny glass or porcelain beads in different patterns, forms and shapes to create culturally distinctive forms of jewelry. Ornaments are literally used to delineate the unique identity of each culture, and most of the beadwork found in Southern Africa is worn by all members of society.