Beads are important symbols in African culture. According to the Wilderness Safari site, using beads as ornamentation dates back to 10000BC. Beads come in different colours and sizes, and each variation has a significant meaning in African culture and tradition. In my Sotho culture beads worn in the hair signify an ancestral calling to be a sangoma or traditional healer.Fascinated by the craftsmanship of the beadwork of the Nguni and ancient Egyptians, Nondumiso Qba Nkosi has created bead wigs called Bedoo (pronounced "bead do") which are quickly becoming statement pieces.Bedoo headpieces have adorned popular faces around town including Rharha "Dronegoddess" Nembhard, Bonnie Mbuli, Nomsa Mazwai and Thandiswa Mazwai who all rock the bead wig as if it were a crown.Last week the Bedoo wigs were worn by models at MBFWJ S/S16 during the showcase of Colour, the first collection by singer Nandi Mngoma and designer Inga Madyibi.Nkosi said she's long dreamed of showing her wigs on the catwalk ."The fact that the first time on the runway was in collaboration with such immensely talented artists is validation that I've longed for," she said. The bead wig designer says Mngoma called her and told her about the launch of their clothing line."I felt the genuine admiration of my work in her voice," says Nkosi."It felt right and the opportunity was incredible. It felt like I was jumping into the deep end - I'm in the early stages of a young business, but I had to take the leap."As an artist I always longed to demonstrate that our own ideas are profound. To live up to my name as Nondumiso I had to contribute something meaningful to the time-line of our race."It's important to me to create something that speaks of self-love for all Africans and relates to our own heritage So even though this is just a hair adornment it's part of a bigger conversation."The colour of the beads represents royalty."I've been experimenting with seed beads for the headpieces. They appeal to the star in me because they shine and catch the light. They're meant to bring out the star in the wearer."Nkosi uses thousands of beads on one wig and every piece takes about two weeks to make.Requests to purchase can be made to originalbdoo@gmail.com..