Ugandan Bead Bracelets
Since the beginning of human culture, beads have been worn on various parts of the body as decoration. These beads, made from a variety of materials such as wood, glass, and shells often hold deeper meanings to the wearer. Beads can represent wealth, power, fertility, maturity, spirituality, and other important aspect of one’s culture or identity.
In Uganda, women have traditionally worn beads around their waist as well as on wrists or around the neck. Can you remember a time when you might have worn something that represented a special moment or event in your life? As you learn about the Ugandan Culture, we invite you to create a bead bracelet using the colors of the Ugandan flag pictured in upper left. You are also invited to create a bead from paper which is a beautiful way of creating colorful patterned beads.
Make your own bracelet
Step 1: Make a Paper Bead
Starting with the largest end, rap the long triangular strip of decorated paper around the wood stick, with the decorated side facing out. Wrap the paper snuggly, but not too tight. When you have wrapped half the paper add a bit of glue to the remaining paper as you wrap to hold the bead together. You should end with the tip of the triangle shape on top. To make sure your bead holds up to wear, coat with clear nail polish or other waterproof coating.
Step 2: Bead the bracelet
Begin to string the beads onto the elastic band being careful that they don’t slide off the other end. You can place a piece of tape on the end to help the beads from sliding off. String half the beads in any desired pattern, then place your finished paper bead onto the bracelet. Finish the bracelet with the rest of the beads.
Step 3: Finishing the Bracelet
To finish the bracelet, check that it fits around your wrist without being too tight. You may need to remove beads if it is too loose. Tie the ends of the bracelet together in a square knot to secure. The bracelet should be able to slip on and off easily. It is best to avoid wearing the bracelet around water to make sure the paper bead stays nice.
Things to Think About
1. What pattern did you choose for your bracelet? Does this pattern hold any meaning for you? Look at the pattern of colors in the Ugandan Flag. Is there any similarity in your pattern?
2. Jewelry like the Ugandan bracelets and waist beads are often given as gifts to family members. Has anyone special ever given you a piece of jewelry to wear? Think about how it may have made you feel to wear this piece of jewelry?