5 African Jewelry Types to Step out at any occasion !
Since the dawn of time, African Jewelry has been a way to assert cultural heritage and legacy for Black people. For instance, most ornaments were made with natural materials such as beads, shells, metals (gold, iron, bronze) or even animal bones. And in some tribes, it represented a great opportunity to showcase economic, social or religious status according to the family who were wearing it.
Nowadays, African jewelry is still being worn to affirm cultural heritage or personality. But moreover, it’s a way to make high quality #madeinafrica ornaments accessible to all the people who loved them.
Whether you like bold or classic accessories, colorful ones with wax fabrics or natural ones in metals or shells, here are our Top 5 African Jewelry Types to rock :
1. Cowrie Shell
Cowrie shells pieces are one of the most popular and recognizable African ornaments. They are used in both artwork and jewelry and can be considered as an essential part of any girl’s wardrobe (even for men).
Very trendy by now, you can find bold pieces such as waist belts or simple ones such as necklaces and rings. If you like to attend artistic places like Art Gallery or Events like Music festivals and fashion shows, they are the perfect statement pieces for you.
In 2019 for her “Black is King” project, Beyoncé Knowles ordered several cowrie shells ornaments from our designer Lafalaise Dion for the main project covers.
It was also the case for american female singer Janelle Monae on her cover with Shape Magazine.
And Novi Brown at this 2022 edition of the BET Awards Ceremony.
2. Adinkra inspired jewels
If you like classy items, made up with high quality materials like brass, copper, bronze or gold, these ornaments should be your favorites.
Inspired by the AKAN tribe’s heritage, the Adinkra ornaments take their name from the Adinkra symbols used in the Ashanti culture. They can have stones or pebbles set in them, which can be natural (such as agate) or handmade (e.g., synthetic stones).
If you’re looking for easy and fashionable statement pieces to build work wear or dinner looks, this type will definitely help you !
3. Colorful Beads
They are generally inspired by three African countries’ cultural heritage: Kenya with the Maasai Tribe, South Africa with the Zulu and Senegal with their traditional seduction kits made by women.
Colorful, resistant and cheaper, beads are “the most accessible” statement pieces that you can find. Whatever your style is, you can easily swing through the different types of ornaments proposed by designers: bold necklaces, subtle waist beads, earrings or bracelets.
Actually, you can even find bags or sandals with beads ornaments incorporated into it. And they will perfectly fit for holidays or family celebrations.
4. Fulani sets
The Fulani tribe is a popular ethnical group in Africa. Mostly living in the North, they are shepherds and women are well-known for their particular beauty features : fine curly hair, bold earrings and black/blue lips.
Since they are a true reference of #africanbeauty, designers often create statement pieces inspired of their way of living. For them it’s another good way to showcase and immortalize women’s impact in african and even black people cultural heritages.
Daily Life, Work time, Cocktails with friends or Hubby, the mythic Fulani ornaments will help you stand out with style.
5. Global African Culture Symbols
Some symbols in African Culture are general references. They can be made from wood, leather, metals or printed fabrics and declined in several types of ornaments.
From the sophisticated tribal bracelet to the bold wax prints necklaces or scarves, you will easily find a lovely statement piece with a powerful legacy.
Here is the case of the “Vango Vango” Bracelet below. It was initially worn by slaves in Madagascar Island when they were chained by night. When slavery was abolished, the bracelets were split in two to symbolize freedom and commemorate the memory of the ancestors.
Since then, it’s a classic of the Malagasy cultural heritage that we reinvent to the tastes of times and generations.
Rock these pieces daily with every style at any occasion !
