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| Several beadworkers demonstrate their techniques: |
Beadworking in Western Cameroon, Africa
| Gourds, jewelry, wooden stools, sculptures, flywhisks, toys, baskets, and sculptures are some of the items that are covered with beads in Western Cameroon. Cloth is sewn to the surface of the object to be beaded, then beads are sewn onto the cloth, several at a time. Besides glass beads, pieces are also covered with seeds (seen at lower right) and cowrie shells. Cane beads are used to make jewelry. |
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| Several beadworkers demonstrate their techniques: |
| The tip of a circular needle is used by a beadworker from Foumban to coax six to eight glass beads onto a piece of heavy thread. The needle is then used to attach the beads to the burlap. | ||
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| In Bahouan, the surface is covered with foam, then cloth. Beads are sewn on (several at a time) with a curved needle. | ||
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| In Batie, stools are covered with cowrie shells. | ||
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| In Mbouda, cane beads are used to make jewelry and other small items. | |
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Links:
Art-Batik of Adehoumi Sikirou Shola
Bark Pictures of Claude Ngaha
Dschang Handicraft Center
Gîtes Ruraux de l'Ouest
Wood Carving in Foumban
Metal Casting in Foumban
Ceramics of Foumban
Abdou Mfopa
Tapestry
Crochet in Cameroon
Cameroonian Basket Maker, Fokam Goufo Buhler
Cameroonian Author, Mih John Fung
Cameroonian Painter, Hilarion Wirdzeka Faison
Nigerian Painter, Elcarver Rotimi Agbola
Glass Bead Making in Odumase Krobo, Ghana
Ashanti Glass Bead Making in Daabaa, Ghana
Tapestry Crochet Home Page
Recommended books:
Hans Knopfli has written the best books I have ever read about the crafts
of Cameroon. Please go to his web page at http://www.kamerun.ch/home-en.html
for more information about them.