Book on Traditional Beadwork Launched

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The Eloquent Bead, a book by Stan Schoeman on traditional beadwork crafted by women in Zululand, was launched at a function at the Campbell Collections of UKZN on Friday, 13 March.

The book presents a unique perspective on the beadwork which was used as a medium for the communication of social standing, values and relationships.

Schoeman, the author of numerous books and articles, was born in the Eastern Cape and completed a D.Litt et Phil at the University of South Africa. In the 1960s he taught at the then University College of Zululand where he became interested in traditional Zulu beadwork and its role in society.

Schoeman served on the teaching staff of various universities before he joined the Africa Institute of South Africa as a full-time researcher on African affairs. He retired in 1993.

A series of impressive photographs and accompanying notes show a selection of artefacts from a private collection, gathered in the 1960s. The introduction is based upon research conducted in Zululand between 1964 and 1968. A concluding section investigates the role of beadwork in contemporary South Africa, and aims to show how craftswomen in KwaZulu-Natal have adapted traditional designs.

‘The Eloquent Bead had a long gestation period but the end product is a delight,’ said Publisher, Ms Jackie Kalley. ‘The series of beautiful photographs and accompanying text, is so worthy of our heritage. My sincere thanks are extended to UKZN and the Campbell Collections of UKZN for such a beautiful and appropriate venue for this book launch,’ she added.

Mr James Green, Co-Curator at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum in Washington DC, says of the book: ‘Stan Schoeman’s approach to collecting beadwork in South Africa in 1964 was remarkable. The stories of the artists he met mattered as much to him as the beadwork articles they created. He had the foresight to recognise that beadwork and the artist were inseparably entwined.’

The book, published by Otterley Press, can be bought online at: www.otterley.com

Otterley Press