Most of us have heard the term, "if walls could talk,” but did you know that African Beads actually do? 

Well, they do and oh the stories they tell!  Discover for yourself by taking an enjoyable jaunt to the Harn Museum of Art http://www.harn.ufl.edu/ here in Gainesville where they are featuring  "Between The Beads: Reading African Beadwork – it is a fascinating focus on the myriad of ways African Beadwork is a visual communicator conveying important messages about anything from that status of personal relationships, to level of wealth and/or a person's social or political standing.

Even the shape, size and material used to create the bead is pivotal in the message it delivers. 

Although easy to get caught up in the beauty and craftsmanship of the more than 100 bead display, the Between the Beads exhibit is also an excellent vehicle for learning so much more about the history and different cultures of Africa.

The exhibit is at the Harn through the Spring....so plan a trip soon..it's a "don't' miss." (As are most of the exhibits at the Harn quite frankly!)  For specific bead scoop, click here www.harn.ufl.edu/beadwork

The Harn Museum, is one of the southeast’s largest university art museums with more than 7,000 works in its collection and an array of temporary exhibitions. Admission is free. The museum enhances the activities of the University and serves a culturally diverse audience through educational programming.