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Just Arrived from Africa
Our latest shipment of African trade beads has just
arrived.
African beads are fascinating, both for their character and for their
history. Choose from wedding beads, Christmas beads, recycled
glass, cow bone, and much more. We thought like us, you might be
interested in the history of these beads. |
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African beads played a major role in the continent's history. They
are repositories of spiritual tradition and ancestral wisdom. The
West African coast began to trade with Europe in the late fifteenth
century. This is how millions of Venetian, Dutch and Bohemian
glass beads found their way to Africa where they were used as currency -
trade beads. What happened to most of these
beads remains a mystery.
At Beadworks, we're proud of our relationship with a family of
African Traders. Last week, Dharma, an imposing gentleman from
Ghana, who generously shares the stories and rich heritage of every bead
in his collection, came to Providence. This time he brought us an
extensive assortment of beads from Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and
Mali. Many strands are centuries old and highly prized. They
are alive with color, sparkle and the soul of Africa. |
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Some of our new colorful sandcast,
powderglass and "Pop" beads come from Djenne, the oldest known city in
sub-Saharan Africa, at the head of traditional trade routes to the
region's salt and gold mines. Dharma also reaches into the deepest
corners of Africa to supply us with exotic beads. For
example, Ostrich egg shell beads from South Africa used to adorn Zulu
shaman in ceremonial dances. The fashion spreads this fall resonate
with ethnically influenced necklace designs incorporating African trade
beads. Our large woven brass beads and fire-colored cow bone beads
are especially in vogue. |
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Holiday Announcements
Special December Holiday Hours:
open until 9:00 pm
Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays.
FREE sterling
silver lobster clasp
with each purchase of a strand
for
$30.00 or more
when you bring this email to the shop.
Good through December 24, 2005. |
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Look for our December newsletter and window display with
holiday gift ideas.
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290 Thayer Street Providence, RI 02906
(401) 861-4540 |
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