Finding something unique these days is hard to come by. Once upon a time, unique was common, with sewing, and knitting being the fore front of daily activities. Today however is a diffferent story, this generation are much more interested in Play station than knitting or sewing. And then throw into the mix the mass production of goods and unique is almost impossible to find.

I bet your always on the look out for that perfect gift. Something thats unique. Well I have made it my personal pursuit to find things that are unique. Might I say that on my trip to Africa I most definatley found it. Yes I did! The African folks would have to be without a doubt some of the most talented artisans in the world. They make these unbelievable wirework sculptures.

These gifted artisans from the Ndebele and Zulu tribes articulate themselves through this extrordinary art. Many years ago their beadwork was primarily used for ceremomnial wares. Collecting natural material from the bush they would make their costumes and Jewellery. But then came the introduction of beads sourced through visitors from overseas. There beadwork now takes on a whole new shape and form.

Customarily over the years, the women in the tribes were well- known for their beading of costumes and also the weaving of baskets. Put these two practices together and they started creating the most oustanding creations.

Today Africa is experiencing a wirework revolution. Numbers of talented artisans, are making these steel wire sculptures and then beading them with bright bold colors. They use a galvanized pliable wire, they start by constructing a shape, it could be an animal or in some cases they use bottles, they start by moulding the wire around the bottle. Then comes the intriguing part, they bead these shapes and bottles with the most amazing colors. The beadwork itself is complex and difficult, in the past women dominated this incredible art of beading, however now the items are readily made and sold to tourists, both males and females alike now do the beadwork.

Due to the unemployment rate in Africa being so high, its a familiar practice for the women in the nearby villages to bead. The tradition of beading has been around for a long time and the skill has been past along from one generation to the next. Traders frequently visit markets and also sell their works from the pavements. Its quite a common practice to see the streets lined with artisans selling their own works and that of there villages. The beadwork not only requires patience and a steady hand, but you need an eye for detail. Every piece of work is unique with no two works of art being identical. The designs vary so much from African animals, to decorative bottles, not to mention novelty toys for the children such as motorbikes and cars.

Africa is truly an amazing place, with unbelievable folk. There beadwork is exceptional. A tradition of old, with new innovative designs to suit modern day living. A must see!