Wire, of any kind, has only recently become commonplace. Drawing wire used to be extremely laborious and complex. In Africa, it was even used as money several hundred years ago. Eventually, it began to decorate objects and jewelry, then to form containers and baskets such as imbenge (beer pot covers). Beading was often added to the weavings for a punch of color. With the advent of modern telephone wire, Zulu night watchmen began using the recycled, but still bright strands to adorn their walking sticks. Finally, bowls and baskets were fashioned from the rainbow of shades. The glorious hues needed no further decoration, and a new (and old) art form was born. Today, fine works are created by the techniques of the past, but with the materials of today.