kedjade

Kedjade is a term encountered in jewelry literature and ethnographic texts to denote a class of decorative beads and beadwork motifs used in personal adornment. In conventional use, kedjade refers to small bead components fashioned from glass, ceramic, or semi-precious stones, typically round or faceted and drilled to allow stringing. Kedjade beads are commonly employed to compose necklaces, bracelets, belts, and ceremonial regalia, and they may appear as standalone elements or as part of larger beadwork patterns.

Etymology and scope of use vary by source, but the term is often linked to bead traditions in the Kedja region and related cultural contexts. Some scholars suggest that kedjade patterns encode aspects of status, lineage, or occasion, while others treat kedjade primarily as a material category within jewelrymaking.

Materials and manufacture commonly include glass and stone for the beads themselves, with finishes ranging from transparent and opaque to iridescent glazes. Methods of production encompass traditional lampworking, moulding, or cutting for stones, as well as modern machine-made variants for broader availability. Finishing techniques may involve polishing, inlay, or surface decoration to achieve desired color and luster.

History and regional distribution are typically described in terms of trade and cultural practice, with kedjade appearing in archaeological and contemporary contexts across various cultures. In modern jewelry markets, kedjade are valued for their versatility, bright colors, and association with traditional craftsmanship. See also Bead, Beadwork, Jewelry, Regalia.