Holding significance because of their history as currency during times of colonialism, beads bring to life the vast range of colours of the ocean.
The Indian and Atlantic Oceans were sites of vast displacement of peoples, slavery and the extraction of human beings and goods. In many African traditions too, the oceans and water are also material for healing, fluidity, for cleansing rituals and regeneration. The depths and shifting form of the ocean and its conjoining of cultures finds a powerful expression in the Oceanic Marigold Beads.
An art project from the Zimbabwean Marigold Beadwork Co-operative in collaboration with South African artist Joni Brenner and Wits University Oceanic Humanities for the Global South project.
