Women play an important role as creators of beadwork in African art. This book reveals the high craftsmanship and creativity involved in the production of extravagant jewelry, imposing masks, or royal stools. The variety of such works is nearly endless. Beads have never served merely for decoration across all parts of the continent. The colors and patterns of beadwork convey complex messages about the age, gender, and identity of their wearers. Over the past thirty years, François Mottas has compiled a magnificent treasure of works (from 1850 to the present) from this often-overlooked genre of African art. The volume, which accompanies an exhibition at the Rietberg Museum, richly illustrates the aesthetics and significance of African bead art and for the first time brings its female creators to the forefront.