Beads have been crucial to the lives of Africans throughout their history. Africans wore beads to communicate cultural values that expressed religion, rank, politics, and artistic attitudes. By the early 19^th Century Africans were bartering beads that were made out of glass, stones, wood, seeds, shells, clay and bone for gold, ivory, and incense. Beads were used as a symbolic language to express fertility, ward off evil spirits and even cure illness. In modern days, adornment remains the primary use of beading across the entire continent. In African cultures, beadwork adornment plays a significant role in romance attracting members of the opposite sex. Beadwork is the communication of ideas and feelings.

Francine LeFrak is usually recognized for her award-winning theatrical and television productions but, her accomplishments go far beyond the stage and big screen. The multi talented entrepenuer founded SAME SKY, a project in Rwanda that gives HIV-positive women of the Rwandan Genocide a chance to rebuild their lives. The artisans of SAME SKY make a wonderful modern interpretation of the traditional beadwork of their region. Artisans refer to them as “beads of hope” because they give them the opportunity to put food on the table for their families and help rebuild their community. SAME SKY’s current project with DIGS consists of unique bracelets constructed of luminous hand-blown glass beads, precisely crocheted together and signed by the artisan who designed it.

you can purchase SAME SKY bracelets directly from our site: http://www.digs.com/designers-s/17.htm