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Symbolism & Style: The Diverse Jewelry of Africa
Symbolism & Style: The Diverse Jewelry of Africa by Morgan Watkins
Africa: a continent represented by diverse cultures, art and rich history. While it would be nearly impossible to put into words the beauty of this land, part of Africa’s charm can be appreciated through the jewelry created and worn by tribes and peoples across its regions. Saturated in vivid colors, constructed through various mediums and holding deep symbolism, African accessories are much more than strings of beads and copper wire. Keep on reading to learn more about Africa’s intricate and intriguing jewelry.
(Image from https://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Africa/Kenya/East/North_Eastern/Samburu_National_ Park/photo127575.htm)
It is said that jewelry in Africa dates back as far as 10,000 B.C., where jewelry was first constructed of simple natural resources. Animals were utilized not only to feed tribes, but also to create unique pieces made from bones, hides, and horns. Before trade was introduced to Africans, sticks, clay, seeds, shells, coral and stones could be foraged and utilized to fashion up jewelry. Beads became another valuable item for accessory making, as well as trade. Evolving from simple seeds to small glass ornaments, Africans were able to use aggri beads to barter with Europeans who entered the continent during the 15th and 16th centuries, when the African slave trade was beginning to rise. The more beads Africans had, the more valuable they were in the eyes of slave traders.
(Image from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/165648092516531850/?lp=true)
Speaking of beads, these tiny round items also serve a gaggle of other purposes. Dzi beads, echinacea beads and amber beads can either be consumed or worn by individuals, as they are utilized medically and as dietary supplements. Newborns commonly receive bracelets containing these beads as a way to physically and spiritually protect them from the outside world. Similarly, the dead also take these pieces to the grave. On a lighter note, waist beads, or strings of beads worn just above the hips, serve as a symbol of fertility, protection, seduction and healing. These accessories celebrate womanhood and femininity while ensuring prosperous reproductive health.
(Image from https://www.behance.net/gallery/5767485/Dipo-Ceremony-Krobo-Ghana)
For the Maasai people, beads are utilized to communicate various meanings via color codes. For example, red beads symbolize bravery and unity, white beads represent health and peace, and blue beads are used as a sign of energy. Not only that but the types of beaded necklaces worn by women communicate the marital status of the wearer. Unmarried women don flat beaded disc necklaces while soon to be married ladies sport elaborate, heavily beaded jewelry. Those who are married wear long strands of blue beads around their necks. Like the Maasai, Nigerian woman, too, wear accessory pieces to represent their courting status, which is presented in the form of woven bracelets.
(Image from http://www.freakingnews.com/Masai-Woman-in-Colorful-Clothes-Pictures-83725.asp)
Maasai women of high society are often styled in the most colorful beads around in order to show off their status. And like the Maasai, the Ashanti also use jewelry to represent social strata. Accessories in the Ghana region are usually limited to upper class individuals, who favor gold bracelets, armlets, anklets, rings, headdresses and more. Women of the Fulani, another tribe that loves gold jewelry, characteristically wear massive gold earrings as a symbol of wealth; the bigger the earrings, the richer the family.
(Image from https://interesting-africa-facts.com/African-Jewelry/Fulani-Earrings.shtml)
Egyptians, however, view their jewelry in a different light. Pieces created from gold and copper, often complimented with lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise, hold spiritual significance and protect individuals from devilish spirits and bad energy. Egyptians wouldn’t even part with their beloved amulets and talismans when faced with death, as they believe their accessories could be carried with them into the afterlife.The Berber and Tuareg people also believe in jewelry’s spiritual powers, refusing to wear silver as it was deemed a metal of bad luck. Their jewelry is usually large in size, heavy in weight, and intricate in design. Geometric shapes are common templates for the Saharan region, and crosses are passed on from father to son in the Tuareg communities as a means to combat evil.
(Image from http://www.styleskier.com/five-interesting-facts-about-egyptian-jewelry/)
African men and women alike favor gold, but instead of wearing bracelets and necklaces like the ladies of Africa, men tend to prefer helmets and headdresses. Chieftains in Senegal model weighty gold head plaques, while Ashanti men at the Ivory Coast lean towards helmets constructed from stiffened animal hides that are embellished with gold leaves and wooden ornaments.
(Image from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134474738844835952/?lp=true)
All in all, the intensely diverse and magnificent cultures of Africa all have one thing in common: their jewelry are works of art. Pieces like beaded necklaces and gold plated headdresses are a reflection of Africa’s people and their beauty, making this jewelry more than just jewelry. With a bounty of symbolism instilled in these pieces, African accessories perfectly embody how fashion can represent not only personal style and values, but also the world and the incredible cultures it encompasses. Looking for some stunning African inspired jewelry to add to your accessory arsenal? Be sure to check out our favorite styles on talkingfashion.net!
References:
Bello, Ebun. “Let’s Talk about African Gold Jewelry – History and Symbolism.” Zoede, 12 Nov. 2017,
https://zoede.com/lets-talk-african-gold-jewelry-history-symbolism/.
Fiandaca, Sean. “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Maasai Beadwork.” ThomsonSafaris,18 Oct. 2016, https://thomsonsafaris.com/blog/5-things-didnt-know-maasai-beadwork/. Katsande, Rukariro. “The Importance of Beads and Beadwork in African Culture.”
Wilderness Safaris, 11 Nov. 2014,https://wilderness-safaris.com/blog/posts/the-importance-of-beads-and-beadwork-in-african-culture.
Katsande, Rukariro. “The Importance of Beads and Beadwork in African Culture, Part II.” Wilderness Safaris,18 Nov. 2014,https://wilderness-safaris.com/blog/posts/the-importance-of-beads-and-beadwork-in-african-culture-part-ii.
Kimani, Natalie. “ANCIENT AFRICAN JEWELRY: Design History on the Continent.”The Designers Studio,22 Nov. 2017, http://tdsblog.com/ancient-african-jewellery/.
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Sustainable Jewelry: Wooden Accessories
Wooden Jewelry
By Paige McKirahan
As one of the most versatile materials in nature, wood can do everything from create beautiful jewelry to make paper. With the ability to be delicately carved and elegantly painted, it has been trending in the accessory industry for decades. Considering society’s movement towards a more sustainable future, this lightweight, natural material is highly sought after; its economical and eco-friendly designs have established itself as a frontrunner in sustainable product creation. Why, though, should we lean towards wooden creations rather than plastic and other synthetic products?
Of course, like many of wood’s natural counterparts, this material has been used for jewelry for centuries. In more modern times, the use of wood in fashion saw a burst in popularity in the 1930s and this went on until the 1950s. Mixed with plastic, glass and other materials, wood was used to create brooches, hat pins, and pendants. Some pieces were carved and painted and could be made by creatives at home or by jewelry companies. Many depression era manufacturers created wooden pieces that were comical and illustrated the artist’s great creativity. When plastics and other synthetics became popular in the late ‘50s and into the ‘60s, wooden pieces were forgotten as people were enthralled with the new, high tech products created by plastic molds. Despite this drop in circulation, wooden pieces are now attracting green fashion aficionados on account of their natural, sustainable style.
When creating wooden jewelry, the technique is based upon the grain of the wood; you work in the direction of the grain or across it, but never against it as it will crack the piece. To cut wood down to ones desired size, a gouge blade is uses to chip away the wood safely. Wood can enhance the beauty of a variety of other jewelry materials, included gemstones, bone, ivory, beads, and glass. Combining it with other organic materials can create unique designs that are typically carved by hand. Looking for a unique, environmentally conscious piece? Check out our selection of wooden accessories to get that natural feel without stepping a foot into the forest!
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Neide Ambrosio aka Pretinha
Neide Ambrosio
In a time like ours when so many people are focused on sustainable lifestyles and products, it would only be natural for this practice to cross over into the fashion world. Neide Ambrosio is a designer working towards this assimilation; in partnership with National Geographic, this São Paulo native creates a wide variety of accessories from soda can tabs. After moving to Rio de Janeiro with her husband in pursuit of his music career, this retired teacher was completely removed from her home at the age of 65. She began collecting trash and cleaning locally; this environmental work lead to her to consider a new hobby; she knew how to crochet and thought, how can I use these pieces to create something amazing? She began to use beer can tabs on account of the fact that Brazilians consume them in excess and litter their empty cans on beaches, and got to work!
To create her pieces, she collects tabs from the cans that she finds and washes them thoroughly, removing all residues and impurities. After they are cleaned, she either uses their natural color or spray paints them for an added flair! Lastly, she crochets the pieces, bringing all of the tabs together to create a unique, cohesive accessory. Her bags are mostly lined with zipper pockets, and are great conversation pieces for any green fashion fanatic!
As her skills grew, so did her creativity; she claims that she had so many ideas that she was overwhelmed with wanted to create them all at once! As she designed more products and was encouraged to display them at local craft shows, her popularity began to grow. Novica, which is a company run by National Geographic set to promote the work of creatives, then came into contact with her and wanted to sell her products. She decided that she should partner with them and has been thriving in all aspects of life since. Her business began to bloom and her enthusiasm surrounding the partnership even encouraged her husband to help her in creating ideas for her pieces.
With her name now publicly known and her products sought after, she got to a place where should could offer employment to young girls from untrustworthy companies; she taught them her skills and feels privileged to be able to help others in need. Her designs have been seen all over the world from local fairs to the arms of Hollywood stars to the pages of Vogue! Her work for the environment offers great fulfillment while also being a creative outlet, allowing everyone involved to reap the benefits of her amazing creations! Head on over to our collection to get one of your own Neide Ambrosio designs to help both the Earth and your accessory closet!
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Sustainable Jewelry: Natural Stone Accessories
Sustainable Jewelry: Natural Stone Accessories
By Paige McKirahan
In the jewelry industry, we have been using gemstones and other types of stones for centuries as a way to add some va-va-voom to any piece. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are just some of the types of naturally occurring stones that are extremely common in accessories and bejeweled pieces. But what about a more natural approach to this sparkly fascination?
Continuing with our conversation of sustainability, this discussion of naturally occurring stones is more so pointed towards those that are of the crystal variety; crystal stone jewelry has become increasingly more popular in the past decade as more people have begun to use them for their magical and healing properties. Their natural, rough look contrasts gems entirely and offers an element of eccentricity to any outfit.
Natural stone pieces are organic and go perfectly with our desire to purchase products that aren’t detrimental to our environment. They typically are not chemically treated and boast raw edges; this gives the pieces a true from-the-Earth feel and even if the stone’s rough appearance is smoothed, they still possess a magical aesthetic with more subdued undertones. Want to add a little bit of natural healing to your whimsical wardrobe? Check out our collections!
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Benefits of Buying Vintage and Secondhand Jewelry
Benefits of Buying Vintage and Secondhand Jewelry written by Morgan Watkins
With the rise of thrift shopping and selling apps like Depop and Poshmark, buying vintage has never been easier. The rising population of vintage shoppers continues to grow for a number of reasons, thanks to the beauty of older jewelry and the much more affordable price tags of secondhand items. What more is there to love about shopping vintage? Read on to find out!
Not to be mistaken with antique jewelry, which is characteristically defined as accessories that are at least one century old (some say 75+ years old), vintage jewelry is at least 20+ years old. Of course, vintage jewelry eventually becomes antique once it reaches that 100 year milestone, but for now, let’s talk about pieces that are under this timeframe. With vintage accessories, fashion lovers can add a classic, old fashion flair to an otherwise simple, contemporary look. While these pieces may be a few decades old, they’re still fresh enough to work with more modern styling without sticking out like an ancient, sore thumb.
One of the most important aspects to consider when shopping secondhand is the green factor. When you buy used jewelry or vintage items that have been pre-owned, you are not only building a fabulous accessory arsenal, but you’re also helping out the planet. Fast fashion, or fashion that is produced rapidly and in great quantities, is made cheaply for the sake of adhering to current trends. These items fall apart and go out of style faster than you can say “fast fashion”, which leads to tons and tons of fashion goods building up in our landfills every year.
According to Remake, 80% of discarded textiles end up in the landfill or incinerator, with just 20% actually being utilized or recycled. These goods can take around 200 painstaking years to actually break down, which makes it imperative that we, as consumers, begin adopting more responsible and resourceful ways of consuming fashion, starting with secondhand shopping.
Not only is buying secondhand jewelry better for the planet, but it’s also easier on your wallet. With fine jewelry like sterling silver necklaces and solid gold bracelets coming in at such massive price tags, jumping on pre-owned items of the same materials gives you way more bang for your buck while still giving consumers the opportunity to own pieces made with fabulous gemstones and precious metals. Vintage jewelry can be a bit pricey depending on where you’re shopping, but talkingfashion.net has plenty of affordable vintage deals to check out!
With today’s minimalistic, modern styling taking over, it’s hard to find unique jewelry that truly showcase individualistic personal style. Vintage pieces, however, offer up plenty of personality to electrify any look. Art Deco styles and theatrical accessories will help set any It Girl apart from the crowd with colorful palettes, geometric shapes and a chic, throwback aesthetic. But on a more sentimental note, owning an older piece with its own rich story allows fashionistas to carry a bit of history with them wherever they go. Vintage jewelry can be passed on from generation to generation, and as pieces become older, they become valuable, beloved family antiques.
From going green to saving green, vintage and secondhand jewelry options are perfect staples for a closet that is socially conscious and responsible. Unique pieces add a dash of individualism along with a glimpse into decades passed, creating looks that are timeless while still remaining on trend. If you’d like to hop on the vintage bandwagon, head over to talkingfashion.net to browse hundreds of classic accessories and styles, and feel free to help out the environment by consigning with us!
References:
McCarthy, Allison. “Are Our Clothes Doomed for the Landfill?” Remake, 22 Mar. 2018, http://remake.world/uncategorized/are-our-clothes-doomed-for-the-landfill/. Rizvi, Fauzia.
“The Difference between Antique & Vintage Jewelry ...anyone Know?”LinkedIn, 30 May 2016, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/difference-between-antique-vintage-jewelry-anyone-know-fauzia-rizvi/.
