“Beadworks are a very important source of knowledge about the African continent. Beads, particularly glass beads, were imported and became a part of colonialism. Prior to that, clay beads were used. It tells a great story of how our cultures have been transformed. Beads within the continent of Africa carry narrative with each culture having its own specific colourways and beadwork patterns. When you look closer into the Xhosa beadworks, the core design inspiration, you see that there are many bold colours. Each colourway and pattern represent a certain clan and a time within the last century.”