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Discover the Art of Beading
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Date: 15 February 2007
to 16 February 2007
Well known bead collector, dealer and distributor, Stephen Long will share his extensive knowledge and appreciation of traditional African beadwork during two workshops at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum on Thursday, 15 and Friday, 16 February 2007.
Stephen will offer creative opportunities in the art of beading when he demonstrates three basic traditional methods and fringing. The workshops will be supported by his collection of beadwork from Engcobo which will be on display and used as reference. He will also have a selection of beads for sale.
“The workshops will provide an excellent opportunity for beaders to learn about South African beadwork, especially the Xhosa methods. Both beginner and experienced beaders will benefit greatly from learning different finishes and how to give their works a traditional look,” says Stephen.
Stephen realizes the importance of passing on traditional beading skills and techniques and is passionate about doing so. He has in fact run intensive workshops for a group of 18 year old girls in Indwe who now produce contemporary beadwork which he sells and distributes. He believes the wheel has come full circle as when he was young, he was taught by Xhosa women and now he is teaching young Xhosa women traditional beading skills.
The workshops at the Art Museum will run from 10:00 until 14:30 each day with a short lunch break. The cost of each workshop is R180 per person which includes a workshop kit containing all materials needed. Booking is essential as only a limited number can be accommodated in each workshop. Telephone the Art Museum on 041 5861030 to ensure a place.
Although based in Cape Town, Stephen has traveled extensively throughout the Eastern Cape, studying, collecting and trading beadwork. His interest in beadwork was sparked at the age of five by glass beads used in the making of traditional artifacts. Traditional folk costumes from around the world, especially those worn by nomadic pastoral cultures such as the Masai in Kenya, the Xhosa and groups outside of Africa such as the Native American and people from Mongolia, have fueled his interest.
He regularly travels to African countries to source beads and has just returned from a successful trip to Tanzania and Kenya. “Although the beads sourced are made in Europe according to the specifications of various tribal groups, it makes sense to buy directly from the African countries as one can buy in smaller quantities,” says Stephen.
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