Express yourself

Published on 15-09-2014

More than just a trinket, a piece of African jewellery is truly unique because each item is handcrafted so no two are alike. You could even think of it as wearable art – an art that has been honed and perfected over a very, very long time. In fact, the very first signs of jewellery come from Africa, with findings of pierced shells strung together in a South African cave dating back to 75,000 years ago. Indeed, shells and other natural materials such as amber, horn, bone, clay, coconut shell, leather and wood are a common feature of many of Motherland Curios’ jewellery pieces. But African jewellery design is constantly evolving, as exhibited by our contemporary silver necklace with distinctively African geometric lines.

Another form of evolution in African jewellery design is environmental sustainability. Paper bead necklaces are the perfect example, made by tightly rolling up long triangles of recycled paper which are then glued and lacquered. Ours come in long strands that are lightweight but long-lasting, and guaranteed to be one of a kind. We also have a whole range of beaded necklaces featuring pendants in bone, wood and horn.

Beadwork is of course one of the most well-known African styles, and our collection of brightly-coloured beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings does it great justice. Beads can be made from glass, amber, clay, wood or paper, and they come in every colour of the rainbow. Beads play a huge part in some African cultures, and at different times throughout history they have even been used as forms of currency. Traditional meanings behind African beads include pride, beauty, culture, power and identity (read more in our blog on African fashion finds), and many African people today still wear beads for cultural recognition, status or pure adornment.

African culture has always had a real emphasis on personal appearance. Jewellery is still an important personal accessory in Africa, as it is in many other parts of the world. Now that Motherland Curios is bringing these stunning individual creations to Australia, you too can add some statement pieces to your collection. Or if you’re seeking a truly unique gift, a piece of African jewellery might be just what you’re looking for. Men won’t be able to resist the potency of our leather-strung bone pendants or the strong colours of our beaded bracelets. And women will love our distinctive brass necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

African cloth earrings are some of our most remarkable pieces. Large hoops wound in brightly coloured fabric, they’re definitely not the shy retiring type. You won’t feel shy either once you put them on, and they’re sure to start some interesting conversations. If you’re a little more on the conservative side, you’re still guaranteed to find something inimitably stylish amongst our selection of brass earrings.

What does your jewellery say about you?