Zulu Beaded Mismatched Earrings

These are mix-matched Zulu Beaded Earrings featuring green, red, black, blue, and white beads, one in circular shape and the other in triangular with flowing tassels.

Zulu beadwork has been valued as currency, decoration, and a marker of identity. Disingwayo, the uncle of Shaka, and Shaka himself, controlled the bead trade and monopolized not only the beads themselves but also the colors and designs available to groups within Shaka's control. Beadwork became a status symbol and an important item of personal expression as well.

Stylistic variations of beadwork such as pattern, color, and color sequence indicate area or group affiliation. Colors and patterns take on more personally expressive meanings as in the case of Zulu, "love letters". Recently beadwork has become a symbol of political identity as well, with color and pattern indicating political affiliation. Instead of beads being worn only by the conservative, traditional members of the community, wearing beadwork is increasingly being seen as reclaiming a cultural identity.

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