A springbok horn is used to shape each bead. |
The San produce fine handcrafted jewellery made from ostrich eggshell beads. The process of creating these beads and beadwork is time-consuming, the results are stunning.
Artists start with hatched shells collected from local game farms. These shells are broken up by hand into small pieces. Traditionally, a springbok horn is used to gently chip the beads into shape. Today, this tool is still employed but some choose a nail-clipper instead.
The hole in every bead is created using a hand drill. A smoothing stone is run up and down the strands of rough beads to ensure they are smooth and even. The beads are coloured, primarily black and brown, by roasting them in goat fat or cooking oil. These traditional methods have been passed down through generations, through thousands of years.
Finished beads are used to create exquisite chokers, necklaces, bracelets, belts and other accessories. |
Traditional tools. |
