Dreaming of West Africa
I'd recommend reading A Long Way Gone: Memories of a Boy Soldier.When I finished the book. I thought about the earth. West African dirt. Under my feet. And started to string some trade beads from Ghana. Recycled glass. That a co-worker brought back at my request. Around and around they curled. Until they circled my wrist.
I like these beads. And that women acquire beads throughout their lives. And pass them to their daughters. It's said that the Adangme people of Krobo may be the most skilled bead-makers in Africa. Beads are central to rituals. Birth. Coming of age. Marriage. Death. A round cycle. Like a bracelet.I like to believe. They are imbued. With magical. And medicinal. Powers.
posted by Lucia @ 6:32 PM
5 Comments:
I saw the author interviewed on the Daily Show. Jon Stewart didn't even try to be funny.
I've been eying that book every time I visit a bookstore. I think perhaps it will be my "flying to Toronto" book in a couple of weeks. Lately, I always seem to be buying books in airports.
Lovely bracelet! I have only been to East Africa. Someday perhaps I'll venture west.
That looks interesting - and the bracelet is lovely, I remember reading an article about the rituals surrounding the beads - amazing.
I especially love those pale blueish-gren translucent ones. Beads are cool---no two ways about it.
What a great way of putting it! I loved beads as a child. My Grandmother had a whole tub full, the remains of so many broken necklaces. I would roll them around in my hand and make pictures on the carpet. I always thought it was sad that she couldn't wear them anymore.
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