In 2013 during a Funky Frog Bead Hunt we did a detour to a tiny village where Bauxite Beads were made. There was suppose to be a cooperative here but sadly it was closed.
Bauxite Beads making Village
We met an old man who told us the youngsters weren’t interested in making beads and were instead seeking their fortune in the big cities. He showed us how they make the Beads. First the raw Bauxite.
Then he showed us the very slow, intricate and labour intensive work of making beads. First they cut a chunk off for the bead. Then it is shaped into a bead where it is either left quite raw or polished. A hole is drilled into the bead with a very rudimentary tool.
Finally the finished product! And then the beads are strung ready for the market. After watching the dedication needed to produce these beautiful beads i have always kept a real soft spot for them.
Hopefully in the future youngsters will realize the amazing work their ancestors have done to create a beautiful heritage for them.
