Decorated glass beads from Ghana, known as Aggrey beads, were not only used in jewelry but also for medicinal purposes and as a form of currency. Those were some busy beads! Presently, bead-making is a well-preserved cultural tradition in Ghana, worn for various ceremonies and everyday fashion. These handcrafted beads are notable for their vibrant colors and varied shapes and are worn by both men and women of all ages.
Greek worry beads or kompoloi have a more direct purpose – to relax the mind with a smooth tactile feel and the rhythmic clicking of one bead sliding into the next. There are numerous techniques to manipulating them and to handle them expertly is definitely a skill – kind of like a less-flashy version of the yo-yo:
They’re considered an ideal means of giving up bad habits like smoking, biting your nails or excessive snacking! Like Aggrey beads, they are sometimes used to denote power and prestige, while telling everyone that you have plenty of free time. Greek worry beads are usually made with a tassel and a fixed bead that marks the beginning and end of the series. They are often used as a casual piece of home decor but rarely worn as personal adornment.
