Adorn in beads

While beads are unique complements of fashion especially traditional wears, they look more glamorous on the necks and wrists of the Edo people. In the time past and even at present especially during special occasions, the Edos flaunt the beautifully made bead ornaments in appreciation of their cultural heritage.

Of course, many tribes in Africa have one form of bead or the other, but the very unique ones that are seem abroad as African beads can be traced to the ancient city of Benin. Today, bead wearing is gradually transcending the African continent to other cultures around the world; the difference is the packaging.

It is interesting to note that in the past years, beads have overtaken gold and silver as the main jewellery worn at special occasions, and definitely, the Edos and lovers of beads are not complaining.

Bead makers both at home and abroad have gotten so creative with their craft, and now there is an endless amount of beautifully designed beads which come in different styles, shapes, colours and sizes.

There is something so fascinating about Nigerian traditional weddings that you just cannot get enough of. The rich display of culture and style carried gracefully by brides and grooms is always a delight to share. The beautiful and incredible beaded attires worn by the Edos are the envy of many other Nigerian tribes. Almost every lady in Nigeria these days wants wear beads on her wedding day like an Edo damsel!

Edo brides are known for their elaborate beaded bridal wear-complete with a crown and accessories. The hair is usually the most important part of the look with crown of beads.  On the day of the traditional wedding the bride is usually adorned in intricately woven coral beads known as ‘Eto-okuku’, typically created with black gel, coral beads are then sewn into the hair or extensions to form a crown called ‘okuku’. Many brides buy wigs readymade with the hair and crown.

The coral beads accessories accentuate the regal look. Beaded necklaces are called ‘ivie-uru, hand beads-‘ivie-ebo’, earings-‘emi-ehorivie’, a beaded clutch-‘ekpa-ivie’ and a poncho like cape beaded top called ‘ewu-ivie’. Many also wear slippers or shoes covered with beads.

The culture of wearing of these beads by the Edos during ceremonies has gradually moved beyond Edo to some parts of the South East. Stylish ladies are constantly adding colours to trending fashion with their creativity. Another beautiful part of these attires are the wrappers. For the complete look, bride wear different fabrics of wrappers and some wear embellished George. The fabrics are usually very rich and sometimes adorned with gold accents that make the brides look like queens.

Anything looks great with beads.

IJEOMA OMENI ASIEGBU