| Fantastic works of art come out of Africa, they are | | | | steering wheels. Working with with wire has become a |
| renowned for them. The most appealing works as of | | | | zulu revolution. |
| late are their brilliant beadwork. This beadwork | | | | In the earlier days copper colour coded wires were |
| technique has been past down for hundreds of years, | | | | used in their creations. One can now find wire |
| they have mastered this beadwork technique to a tee. | | | | sculptures of musical instruments, animals, bicycles |
| This incredible art form has to be seen to be believed. | | | | fashioned from steel wire. These sculptures can be |
| In times gone by works of art have been made using | | | | found not only in studios but also roadside stands and |
| anything from eggs to seeds, also stones and metal. | | | | markets. These would make truly unique gifts. |
| However these latest artworks have been made | | | | You need to see this artwork to believe it, once you |
| using glass beads. | | | | see the passion and creativity, that has been put into |
| First came the discovery of glass beads by the | | | | each design. The designs are never ending they can |
| Egyptians, eventually trade routes were set up with | | | | make trees, butterflies, spider webs. You will also find |
| the people of South Africa, trading was common, Ivory | | | | decorative wire bowls, bracelets, reptiles. Colourful |
| and and other valuables were traded for glass beads. | | | | plates made from wire and matching under plates can |
| The South Africans began constructing objects using | | | | also be seen. |
| the glass beads with the help of wire. The designs | | | | Zulu artisans and crafters began selling their designs in |
| they created were absolutely beautiful, the designs | | | | public markets instead of roadside stands in order to |
| included cars, flowers, and almost any animal. The | | | | drive more customers; however many wire artists |
| frame is made of a galvanised wire and then | | | | realized the value of the sculptures and opened up art |
| decorated with colored beads. | | | | shops and galleries to display their creative designs. |
| Due to the economic status of South Africa many | | | | If you are looking for a gift with a difference, wire art |
| families are very poor, therefore the families could not | | | | would make the perfect gift, whether they are car |
| afford beads. The art of using wire first became | | | | collectors, or motorbike enthusiasts or animal lovers, |
| apparent when they used the wire to make toys. But | | | | there is definitely something for everyone in the wire |
| now the Africans have catered for the many tourists | | | | art designs. The creative sculptures will definitely draw |
| that visit their country, you can find anything from | | | | attention to any art collection. |
| saxophones, to cars the cars even having moving | | | | |