Art-Making Activity: Paper Beading
Beads have played an important role in many African societies. Explore the rich tradition of beadwork in African art by learning how to make paper beads and creating your own wearable adornment!
King’s Beaded Robe
Colorful beads and beadwork have been incorporated in many artistic traditions of African art. Not only is beading beautiful, it can also carry important meanings. The Yoruba are a large cultural group that reside in southwestern Nigeria, as well as in parts of the Republic of Benin and Togo.
This richly colored robe was once worn by a Yoruba king. The colors used in the robe were not only chosen for the way they look but also for the special meanings they have. For example, many colors relate to particular Yoruba gods and goddesses.
Click on the hotspots below to learn more about the colors and their meanings!
King’s Beaded Robe, early 20th century, Unknown (Artist), Yoruba Culture, Nigeria, Republic of Benin, glass beads, string, velvet, wool, damask. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Kathleen Boone Samuels Memorial Fund and Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund, 96.36
Beadwork is more than meets the eye! Whether in a necklace, ornament, clothing, or item of trade, beads have played an important role in many African societies. Celebrate the rich tradition of beadwork in African art by learning how to make paper beads and creating your own wearable adornment!
CREATE
Materials
- Paper (leftover magazines, construction/scrapbook paper, hand colored paper, etc.)
- Scissors
- Plastic straw (OR wooden dowel, pencil, bamboo skewer)
- Glue stick
- Yarn/string
Instructions
COLLECTION CONNECTION
The Yoruba reserve the use of beads for royalty, priests and priestesses, and the embellishment of ritual and ceremonial objects. Only kings are permitted to use the full range of beaded regalia: crowns, fans, flywhisks, canes, ceremonials staffs, necklaces, footwear, thrones, footrests, footstools, and entire garments. The colorful beadwork of a king’s regalia symbolizes his role as unifier of the various òrìsàs (deities) and cults followed by his people. In beaded regalia, the king becomes a symbol of the spiritual power, material wealth, and general well-being of his kingdom. See the elaborate beadwork of a king’s regalia in VMFA’s African Art collection!
