A study on Ostrich egg - shell beads from Jarigole, Northern Kenya

Abstract

This dissertation is a descriptive analysis of ostrich eggshell beads from the site of Jarigole on the Eastern shores of Lake Turkana. The study investigated the manner in which beads were produced, types and the functions to which they were put. Two types of data were employed. These are primary data and secondary data. Primary data comprised the actual study of beads while secondary data consisted of documented literature. Both attribute analysis and reduction sequence method of analysis were used to study beads. The study showed that:- 1.) While some beads were beautifully made a considerable proportion were haphazard and unfinished. 2.) beads varied greatly in width, thickness, perforation shapes, rim shapes etc. 3.) the beads were produced using different methods, probably in line with the peoples! tastes, functions and considerations in costs of production. and 4.) the beads were convincingly produced on the site.