African artists are renowned for their creativity and skill. Some of the most endearing works are the brilliant wire and beadwork pieces.  Beaded wire art is a contemporary art form based on traditional South African beadwork skills. It is a very time consuming and detailed craft. The shape is first made with wire, thousands of glass beads are then threaded onto wire and wrapped around the frame to form quirky and colourful art pieces such as this beadwork hippo.