Great Beads

Hi Aster,

I have just returned from my trip to Gauteng.

I really meant to comment on the bead collection at Naturel. The three crates that I saw carried some of the rarest pieces that occur in the Transkei.

I am glad that you will be exhibiting them in a live museum that people may see them and even buy.

Keep up the good work.

From an avid collector.

Terry Myburgh

Xhosa Bead Museum: Bead and Shell Lampshed

Xhosa Bead Museum: Bead and Shell Lampshed

Bead and Shell Lampshed

The lamp shade, made at the Xhosa Bead Museum, is a mixture of traditional sea shell chains mixed with modern glass beads to create a truly natural environment. The light rays filter brightly through the beads and the shells dull the ambiance creating a sober, relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.  The lamp shades enhance the spirit of natural living, of reinventing the coastal tradition of crafting various sea shells.

 

This is the perfect example of living with and around nature - part of XBM's efforts for sustainable development, conservation and a genuine natural organic lifestyle.

 

We invite your comments

Xhosa Bead Museum: Sea Shell Lampsheds

Xhosa Bead Museum: Sea Shell Lampsheds

Sea Shell Lampsheds

The Sea Shell Lampshed is the latest project at the Xhosa Bead Museum, it is designed to reflect light from the recylced glass bead while the ambience from the sea shell and rare beads give a glow that is both natural and relaxing. The lady pictured making the lampshed is called Makhulu <Grandmother>, she is wisened in the traditions of her people, the Xhosa people. The whole day she sits patiently crafting her art and relating the Xhosa history to an enthralled audience, both local and foreign. This is a sheer celebration of the Xhosa culture.

 

The project is sponsored and monitored by Chris Eaton of the Naturel Lifestyle brand in Kei Mouth, the Wild Coast. Visit www.naturel.co.za

Xhosa Woman Painting

The legend of the traditional woman from the Transkei, Eastern Cape depicting a woman in Xhosa regalia. Painted and displayed by local Xhosa youth at the Xhosa Bead Museum in Kei Mouth. This is a project started by Chris which includes bottle recycling, bead making, lamp making and this blog. The aim of the project is to empower the Eastern Cape's inhabitants, especially in the Transkei by providing a viable platform to market their traditional craftsmanship and culture, at the same time raising awareness to the scenic Eastern Cape - a land rich in heritage

Transkei Beaches, Wild Coast, South Africa

Sunset on the Transkei Wild Coast, home to the Xhosa Bead Museum. Under these tranquil surrounds the wisened Xhosa Grannies design and make the most exquisite traditional crafts handed down from generation to generation. All the crafts are hand made and designed in their wisened minds.

The rocky patches of the Eastern Cape's shores gives the name "Wild Coast", these beaches hug the most scenic landscapes rich in tradition and culture waiting to be explored.