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| Several beadworkers demonstrate their techniques: |
Beadworking in Western Cameroon, Africa
| Gourds, jewelry, wooden stools, sculptures, flywhisks, toys, baskets, and sculptures are some of the items that are covered with beads in Western Cameroon. Cloth is sewn to the surface of the object to be beaded, then beads are sewn onto the cloth, several at a time. Besides glass beads, pieces are also covered with seeds (seen at lower right) and cowrie shells. Cane beads are used to make jewelry. |
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| Several beadworkers demonstrate their techniques: |
| The tip of a circular needle is used by a beadworker from Foumban to coax six to eight glass beads onto a piece of heavy thread. The needle is then used to attach the beads to the burlap. | ||
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| In Bahouan, the surface is covered with foam, then cloth. Beads are sewn on (several at a time) with a curved needle. | ||
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| In Batie, stools are covered with cowrie shells. | ||
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| In Mbouda, cane beads are used to make jewelry and other small items. | |
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| For more information about the beadwork of Cameroon, see "Beaded Objects from Western Cameroon," in Bead & Button, August 2002: 16-18. |
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Links: African Arts/Handicraft and Environmental Management Institute (AFHEMI) Art-Batik of Adehoumi Sikirou Shola Bark Pictures of Claude Ngaha Dschang Handicraft Center Gîtes Ruraux de l’Ouest Wood Carving in Foumban Metal Casting in Foumban Ceramics of Foumban Abdou Mfopa Musa Heritage Gallery Tapestry Crochet in Cameroon Cameroonian Basket Maker, Fokam Goufo Buhler Cameroonian Author, Mih John Fung Cameroonian Painter, Hilarion Wirdzeka Faison Nigerian Painter, Elcarver Rotimi Agbola Glass Bead Making in Odumase Krobo, Ghana Ashanti Glass Bead Making in Daabaa, Ghana Tapestry Crochet Home Page Carol Ventura's Home Page Recommended books: |
| Web page, photographs, and text by Carol Ventura and Andrzej Gutek. |