Fantastic works of art come out of Africa, they are renowned for them. The most appealing works as of late are their brilliant beadwork. This beadwork technique has been past down for hundreds of years, they have mastered this beadwork technique to a tee. This incredible art form has to be seen to be believed.



In times gone by works of art have been made using anything from eggs to seeds, also stones and metal. However these latest artworks have been made using glass beads.

First came the discovery of glass beads by the Egyptians, eventually trade routes were set up with the people of South Africa, trading was common, Ivory and and other valuables were traded for glass beads.

The South Afrcans began constructing objects using the glass beads with the help of wire. The designs they created were absolutley beautiful, the designs included cars, flowers, and almost any animal. The frame is made of a galvanised wire and then decorated with colored beads.

Due to the economic status of South Africa many families are very poor, therfore the families could not afford beads. The art of using wire first became apparent when they used the wire to make toys. But now the Aficans have catered for the many toursits that visit their country, you can find anything from saxaphones, to cars the cars even having moving sterring wheels. Working with with wire has become a zulu revolution.

In the earlier days copper colour coded wires were used in their creations. One can now find wire sculptures of musical instruments, animals, bicycles fashioned from steel wire. These sculptures can be found not only in studios but also roadside stands and markets. These would make truly unique gifts.

You need to see this artwork to believe it, once you see the passion and creativity, that has been put into each design. The designs are never ending they can make trees, butterflies, spider webs. You will also find decorative wire bowls, bracelets, reptiles. Colourful plates made from wire and matching under plates can also be seen.

Zulu artisans and crafters began selling their designs in public markets instead of roadside stands in order to drive more customers; however many wire artists realized the value of the sculptures and opened up art shops and galleries to display their creative designs.

If you are looking for a gift with a difference, wire art would make the perfect gift, whether they are car collectors, or motorbike enthusiasts or animal lovers, there is definatley something for everyoine in the wire art designs. The creative sculptures will definatley draw attention to any art collection.