Combs Ostrich
Fascinating Ancient Jewellery Of Africa
Ancient jewellery from Africa depicts the rich African traditions and is always colourful. The use of fine craftsmanship gives elegant finishes to the splendid jewellery of this beautiful and diverse land. From intricately designed hoop earrings to the heavily beaded necklaces, African jewellery is often associated with the different elements of nature and shows the innate creativity of the people. They even used the teeth and bones of animals they hunted for food in their process of jewellery making. The historical jewellery of their times is able to connect the wearer to the dreams and emotions of the people of this faraway land.
African jewellery making is also influenced by the climate of the various regions. The African wore jewellery not only for personal adornment, but also as an identifying mark for a society or a group. The most common material they used in their jewellery was beads from ostrich shells. Today, African beads come in a variety of colours and shapes and also in different textures. Copper and brass jewelleries were extensively used in some dry parts of Africa. The development in metal work gave a new turn to the process of making jewellery. They hammered metal sheets to make large gold earrings for the women. They were voluminous, about 15 to 20 cm in diameter. The ornaments made from marine shells like the cowrie and conus were believed to hold special charms. Necklaces and belts for ceremonial occasions were decorated with cowrie. Those made from conus are usually disc shaped and are beautifully crafted into smooth and flat pieces. Materials like ivory and amber were also used by the African tribes to make arms and neck bangles. They also used combs as hair ornaments and were mostly made of wood, animal teeth and sometimes were gold foiled. The historical jewellery of the Africans is mostly related to the different periods of life starting from child to adulthood.
There are many online sites that have a huge collection of African jewellery. You can avail them from anywhere in the world. The historical jewellery items are a hit among the modern women of today.
About the Author
I webmaster of http://www.museumjewellery.com/default.asp?lang=uk We deal in all types Jewellery, historical jewellery, antique jewelry, museum jewelry, Egyptian jewelry, Viking Jewelry, Celtic jewelry, African jewellery at very affordable price.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Park – Ostrich!