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Archiver > SOUTH-AFRICA > 2003-02 > 1044198715


From: "Gerda Pieterse" <>
Subject: Re: [ZA] Traditional African Beadwork
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 17:11:55 +0200
References: <018401c2ca9b$2bb32ea0$74a6ef9b@telkomsa2156telkomsa.net> <001101c2cab8$1bea5350$0201010a@tjolotjo> <00f001c2caba$cd37a8e0$2beeef9b@gerda> <02b901c2cac3$bb38f1e0$74a6ef9b@telkomsa2156telkomsa.net>


Dear Becky,

This I can possibly find out from other sources, such as the University of
Zululand. I know that my gran was well versed in the meanings and told us
about it, but I was much too young back then to remember any details. I do
recall how fascinated we were with the deftness and the speed of sorting the
beads and dividing the threads to create the specific patterns. Good
memories!

Kind regards

Gerda Pieterse
Richards Bay


----- Original Message -----
From: "Becky Horne" <>
To: <>
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2003 4:01 PM
Subject: Re: [ZA] Traditional African Beadwork


> Hi Gerda
> Sunday, February 02, 2003 2:57 PM Gerda wrote
>
> Thanks. My gran visited the Transkei for six months in 1952 and learned
the
> craft of beadwork from the women there. The patterns were very intricate.
> Since then I have found the subject endlessly fascinating and your message
> is a welcome insight in the history of this ancient craft.
>
> I'm glad you enjoyed the article. I know that colours also play a role of
> importance. Maybe you can verify if what I have is followed by all race
> groups or does it change from tribe to tribe? I adore South African
> anthropology due to its diversity and like you, would love to learn more.
> Thank you for your input.
>
> Nguni tribes, especially the Zulu nation
>
> White represents love and purity
> Black represents grief, loneliness and disappointment
> Pink represents poverty
> Green represents lovesickness or jealously
> Blue represents faithfulness
> Red represents tears and longing
> Yellow represents wealth
>
> Best wishes
> Becky
> Port Elizabeth, South Africa
>
> Researching: HENWICK; HILL; HORN(E); MEREDITH; DEYZEL; LARSEN; WILLSON;
> LYNAR; HENNING; STERLEY; THECK; BEST; BRAUN, GREENER; GLANVILLE; VAN ZYL
>
>
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