Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What do beads symbolize in Africa?
1 Answer
In Africa, beads represent a number of things. Beaded waist jewelry worn by women in West Africa symbolize sensuality, fertility, femininity, wealth and spiritual health. Some African tribes associate different bead colors with levels of social standing or power. Shop a selection of bead jewelry on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Yoruba Beaded on 1stDibs
Chair-Yoruba Beaded '1'
Located in New York, NY
Traditionally created for the Yoruba tribe kings and queens and embellished with thousands of seed glass beads applied to fabric covers which are then stitched or glued onto the chai...
Category
2010s Nigerian Armchairs
Materials
Beads
$2,150
Chair-Yoruba Beaded '2'
Located in New York, NY
Traditionally created for the Yoruba tribe kings and queens and embellished with thousands of seed glass beads applied to fabric covers which are then stitched or glued onto the chai...
Category
2010s Nigerian Armchairs
Materials
Beads
$2,150
Yoruba Beaded Sash, c. 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful panels depict densely-beaded turtles, snakes, and Yoruba faces - with vertical scarification on the cheeks - bordered by cowrie shells indicating wealth and status.
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Shell, Fabric, Beads
Yoruba Beaded Sash, c. 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful panels depict densely-beaded turtles, chickens, and Yoruba faces - with vertical scarification on the cheeks - bordered by cowrie shells indicating wealth and status.
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Shell, Fabric, Beads
Yoruba Beaded Headdress Crown, Antique Art on Lucite Stand
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria.
This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in turquoise, orange, green, yellow red, blue ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
African Bronze Currency Cuff, Hand-Crafted, Early 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Yoruba beaded king’s hat is a masterwork of royal artistry, embodying the prestige, spirituality, and ceremonial grandeur of Yoruba court culture.
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Animal Sculptures
Materials
Raffia, Beads
