El Anatsui

A simple drawing of a decorative product.
Anatsui depicts a string of patterned beads in this black and white drawing.
In many cultures beads are used as ornaments, currency, talismans, counting
devices, religious objects, and as symbols of power, wealth, and affiliation.
From 1979 to 1981, Anatsui made a series of elegant drawings that relate
to works he created in other mediums. This drawing specifically depicts a
type of bead made in Ghana out of recycled glass. These beads are made by
selecting colored glass that is then pored into molds, fired in kilns, polished,
and painted. They are also significant as trade items used as part of an
international exchange in markets in Ghana and other areas of West Africa
that exported these goods around the world.
Looking and Interpreting
• What patterns and shapes do you see on these beads? What colors do
you imagine on these beads?
Connecting and Doing
• Research the history of trade in West Africa. What items were being
produced and traded? Why might beads have been significant as trade
items?
• Generate a list of materials that could be used as beads or made into
beads. Create your own beads out of paper (rolling colored paper),
papier mâché, bread dough, beans, noodles, or spices. Consider utilizing
found natural materials such as seedpods, feathers, and small pines
cones, as well as discarded bottle caps, hardware, and toys to make
beads as well.
EXPLORING CULTURES, STORIES, AND MEMORY 19