An item or design did not stand alone in medieval African ornamentation. It was intended to be regarded in relation to accessories like clothing, caps, and haircuts. Africans were experts at putting together pieces for show and power.
The expression of wealth and status among medieval Africans was expressed by the creation of a fully adorned body, magnified by layers of beads and fabrics and visually enriched by the juxtaposition of ornate geometric motifs sometimes combined with similar patterns in torso scarification and elaborate hairstyles. Belts, threads, and reflective surfaces were among the display components that revealed a family's riches in addition to beads and cowrie shells. Horns, claws, skulls, and hair were power elements that were often collected over a lengthy period of time and generated surfaces packed with specific abilities.
Before 1000 c.e., beads made of metal, glass, or stones like jasper or carnelian were exported over the Indian Ocean to Southern Africa, according to available evidence. After then, the beads were traded all over Africa, increasing their value as symbols of wealth and prestige. Africans, however, who were not involved in international trade, were aware of beads. Tin and stone beads from the Nok civilization of central Nigeria, which dates to roughly 300 c.e., are the earliest instances of medieval jewelry from Africa. In addition to crowns, breastplates, pendants, decorations, anklets, wristlets, and chains, excavations at Igbo Ukwu in eastern Nigeria that date to the ninth or tenth century also uncovered tens of thousands of beads that were originally strung together to create complex necklaces.
For many years, beading served as the main form of personal decoration and the pinnacle of African artistic expression. Because they were believed to combine four aesthetic qualities—hardness, brilliance, geometric patterns, and color—beads were given a high aesthetic value. While ivory beads were more popular in Central and East Africa, glass beads were more common in southern Africa. In societies like the Kete people's, beaded artifacts revealed information about the wearer. Sashes and belts were covered in a stunning visual display of colored glass beads and cowrie shells. Over the course of her life, a West African lady accumulated beaded leather pouches, beaded collars, long strands of beads in various colors, and beaded-fringe panel necklaces.
Africans in medieval times also underwent body color changes. The West African woodland people known as the Akan valued gold and copper both aesthetically and spiritually. Pomade made of shea butter and gold dust that was applied to the skin has been discovered in an Akan copper cosmetic box. A steady transition from one color to another was not possible in medieval African cosmetology. Accordingly, cosmetic embellishments displayed stark contrasts between the body's dark tone, red, and white. It seemed that other colors were employed infrequently. White represented birth, while red represented the interval between birth and death. Black represented the energy of life. Similar to bead designs, body designs were frequently geometric.
Thank you for reading my post...