What is African jewelry made out of?

African jewelry has customarily been created from organic materials like hide, porcupine quill, bone, animal teeth, animal hair, seeds, nuts, husks, sea and land shells, egg shell, wood, ivory and carved stone. Ostrich shells have been discovered in disc shaped form in Palaeolithic and Neolithic sites.

What is the main component of jewelry?

The basic components of jewelry have always consisted of sheet metal, metal cast in a mold, and wire (more or less heavy or fine). These components take on the desired shape by means of techniques carried out with the help of tools.

What type of jewelry do Africans wear?

Beads And The Symbolism Behind Them The Maasai and Turkana tribes made beads’ jewelry extremely popular throughout the continent of Africa. The Africans used to wear beaded chokers, head accessories, wrist bands, heavy metal rings and earrings.

What are Zulu beads made of?

The Zulu peoples, among many other southern African cultural groups, have maintained a rich tradition of beadwork. The earliest commentaries describe pieces of bone, small horns, shells, and small pieces of polished wood and stone that were pierced to make “beads” and strung together as necklaces and belts.

Where Do beaded necklaces come from?

The art of making glass beads probably originated in Venice, Italy. In any case, we know that this area had a flourishing industry in the production of beads by the early 14th century. from there the production of beads moved to other parts of Europe, the most notable being Bohemia, France, England, and Holland.

What is a Maasai necklace?

The beaded handmade jewelry from the Maasai women is a tradition from this tribe, located in Southern Kenya. Before, the tribe used natural resources to create their jewelry. Clay, wood, bone, copper and brass are just few of the materials that were used.

What are the parts of jewelry called?

Chains And Cords For Bracelets and Necklaces

• Chain Styles. Chain style jewelry pieces come in a variety of different styles.
• Cords. Cords are often used to string beads, pearls, and other stones for necklaces and bracelets.
• Beads.
• Lobster Clasp.
• Spring Ring Clasp.
• Hook And Eye.
• Pearl Enhancers.
• Slide Pendants.

What is titanium in jewelry?

Titanium is an alternative metal that has grown popular in contemporary jewelry design, from necklaces and bracelets to wedding rings. A mighty metal in a lightweight build, titanium’s natural silver-white shine makes it a popular choice for men’s wedding bands and jewelry.

Why do African tribes wear necklaces?

Tribal jewelry in West Africa was traditionally used to tell a story. Depending on the culture and times, jewelry has been appreciated as a status symbol or designated as a cultural affiliation.

What are African waist beads?

Waist beads are a traditional African accessory that consist of small glass beads on a string or wire worn around the waist or hips. In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, waist beads are a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being.

Why do Zulus wear beads?

Zulu beads were historically used as a language between men and women, to express their feelings, relationship status, or to convey a message on the appropriate behaviour expected from the opposite sex. The Zulu’s only use one geometric shape in their beading and jewellery work – the triangle.

What cultures do beading?

Beading has a very long artistic and cultural history among the Indigenous people in Canada. At least 8,000 years before Europeans came to Canada, First Nations people were using beads in elaborate designs and for trade.

Where can I find authentic African ethnic jewelry?

Authentic ethnic jewelry from Africa, Morocco, Tibet, Afghanistan and all over the world! Vintage necklaces, bracelets, collectable charms, figural rings and more!

Where did the beaded earrings come from in Africa?

Traditional African Beaded Earrings from South Africa. African beadwork handmade by the rural Zulu beadwork women of South Africa.

Where to buy Zulu beadwork in South Africa?

Not only does EARTH AFRICA stock the largest range of handmade Beadwork in South Africa, but we also sell it at the lowest prices. Shop for the full range of Zulu Beadwork Jewelry & Accessories on our catalog to the left of this page including African beaded necklaces, bangles, bracelets, and earrings as well as many other craft items.

What did people use to make tribal jewelry?

Beads were first made from wood or stone and even seeds were used that would be dyed certain colours that were symbolic to that tribal group or clan. With beads animal bone was carved into shapes that would accompany a necklace or bracelet and these would also be painted or dyed certain colours .