Beads and royalty are closely linked in Africa. For centuries, African rulers accumulated valuable locally made and imported beads. They also controlled their distribution and use. The ownership of large quantities of beads, the variety of exquisite beaded clothing and regalia, and the right to display colorful beaded designs distinguish rulers from the rest of the populace. In Yoruba tradition, strands of beads are the emblems of the gods and symbolic marks of distinction. They are used to signify important political and religious leaders. All the colors have meaning, and all the symbols have meaning.