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queen coralbead
Scientific Name: Cocculus orbiculatus
Family: Menispermaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
About Coral Beads
The provided text focuses extensively on the use and cultural significance of coral beads, particularly in association with royalty and traditional attire.
Considerations for Pets
- Small Parts: Coral beads, being small and easily detached from jewelry, could present a choking hazard if ingested by pets.
Considerations for Children
- Small Parts: Coral beads, due to their size and common use in jewelry, pose a potential choking hazard for young children.
Quirky Facts
- Coral beads have been traditionally used to adorn various parts of the body, including the waist, wrist, hair, and neck, signifying status and beauty.
- In some African cultures, coral beads are sewn into the hair to form a crown known as Okuku.
- Possession of royal coral beads can determine who sits on the throne, highlighting their symbolic importance.
Common Uses and Associations
- Adornment and Jewelry: Coral beads are primarily used in necklaces, bracelets, headpieces, and other forms of jewelry.
- Royal and Cultural Significance: They are heavily associated with royalty, particularly in African cultures, often worn by queens and used in traditional ceremonies.
- Bridal Attire: Coral beads are a common element in the traditional attire of brides in certain cultures, symbolizing prestige and wealth.
- Queen Mother Heads: Distinctive coral-bead crowns with a high, forward-pointing design are associated with Queen Mother figures.
Morphological Characteristics
- The text describes coral beads as typically round and often red in color, though pink and other colors are also mentioned.
- They are often cut en cabochon (polished but not faceted) or used to make beads.
- Coral beads can vary in size and are often arranged in multiple rows or strands in jewelry.
Historical and Cultural Context
- The text mentions Queen Farida of Egypt's red coral parure made in 1938, showing historical use of coral in royal jewelry.
- The Bronze Head of Queen Idia from Benin depicts a queen wearing a crown of lattice-shaped red coral beads, indicating its ancient significance.
- The use of coral beads is particularly prevalent in Edo culture in Nigeria, where they symbolize power, prestige, and wealth.