Buhlalu

Beads have a significance beyond a decorative piece that is used for creating necklaces, bracelets, and decorative gowns. They hold a powerful significance that varies from nation to nation. They are an expression of one's culture and identity. For instance, in the Maasai tribe, the beadwork an individual wears will signify their age and social status. The colors are also symbolic and have important meanings, For the Zulu people from South Africa, for example, colorful beads symbolize wealth and social status, and blue beads are thought to enhance fertility. Red beads are reserved for certain ceremonies like cultural festivals, funerals, circumcisions of young boys, and harvest dances.

Native Americans bring a spiritual philosophy to their beadwork, believing that the time it takes to make items beautiful honors the spirit world