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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.
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
Tapestry Crochet Home Page
Carol Ventura's Home Page
Web page, photographs, and text by Carol Ventura and Andrzej Gutek.
