African Cowrie Shell Jewelry

Jewelries are an important aspect of traditional African art. Each piece of jewelry is unique, spectacular and really appealing. Among quintessential African jewelry, cowrie shell jewelry is quite in demand. Cowrie shell is the common name for a group of small to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries. Cowry is also often referred to only the shell of these snails which are often egg-shaped on the outer side and flat on the underside. The shiny, porcelain-like shells of the cowries are great to look at and used widely for making jewelry and other items. Among cowrie shell jewelry, earrings, bracelets, cuffs, neckpieces, rings, pendants, anklets etc. are popular items. Not only jewelry, cowrie shells are even used for key chains, talismans, showpieces and embellishments for bags. They are also used as religious accessories.

Found in the islands of the Indian Ocean, cowrie shells soon became a popular household item in ancient Africa. There are even legends surrounding cowrie shells as symbols of immense wealth and prosperity. You can buy this traditional handcrafted African tribal jewelry single or in sets. They are absolutely pretty done intricately with the finest cowrie shells to draw your attention. Whether they are choker necklaces or bracelets, everything is truly gorgeous. The designs are eye-catching. Many Africans believe these cowrie shell jewelries and other items to be lucky charms bringing good luck and fortune to the wearer.

The cowrie shells look divine with their shiny white exterior. Whether jewelry or home décor item, they inevitably add that exotic touch of Africa to your wardrobe or home. Own a cowrie shell jewelry today and create your own one-of-a-kind fashion statement!

Dashiki – Be a Proud Owner of This African Garment Today

Both African fashion clothing and traditional garments have their own unique appeal. They are bright and colorful with beautiful indigenous patterns and cuts. But perhaps what fascinates us most is their simplicity and earthiness. Among African garments, dashikis deserve special mention. They are used for both daily wear and special occasions. Dashikis are colorful unisex garments worn by African people, mainly in West Africa. They can be used as formal or informal tops over trousers, skirts, shorts and pants. 

Various kinds of authentic African fabrics are used to manufacture these dashikis, such as mud cloth, brocade, cotton, George, Kente, lace, polyester, rayon, suede, tie & dye, cowrie print, gold print, batik, silk, wax prints, Kitenge and many others. You can find dashikis embroidered, printed, sequined or lace worked…the choice is galore! 

Dashikis are generally loose-fitting with an ornate and embroidered V-neck and sleeve lines. Apart from flowing tops, there are also tailored dashiki shirts for more formal occasions. A dashiki top or shirt worn with a kufi hat is a preferred choice for many Africans. Many grooms wear dashiki sets comprising dashiki shirts, kufi hat and trousers during traditional African wedding ceremonies. White, purple, lavender or blue dashikis are worn in weddings while for funerals it is always red or black. Many times, a dashiki is worn as an inner dress as well. You will find dashikis in several African fashion clothing stores or even order them online. Dashikis have a steady market in the US and other countries today. Wear a dashiki for a fun evening, theme party, formal wedding, business function or as regular wear. You’ll steal the show!

African Imports Have a Steady Demand in the International Market

Africa surprises us with its ethnicity, diverse traditions and incredible array of indigenous products ranging from garments, accessories, fabrics, artworks, musical instruments, heatlh&beauty products, jewelry, oils and incense and much more!

African imports have a steady and continuous demand in the global market today. They are 100% original and home grown, hence, unique and truly vibrant in their appearance and making. African skin, hair care and wellness products as well as oils and fragrances are all manufactured with all natural herbs and ingredients. Not only for external cosmetic use, the products are formulated in a way to renew and heal your skin giving you a soft lustrous look. Besides beauty and wellness, there are other authentic and original African products like mud cloth, Kente cloth and accessories, flags and home décor items, weapons, dolls and other collectibles, cowrie shell products, banana leaf paintings and ornaments, jewelry made of shells, bones, ivory, wood, stones, metals and beads, wood and stone carvings, ceremonial masks, various seasonal and religious items, D’Jembe drums, tic toc drums, djun djun drums, talking drums, rattles, gankeke bells, balafons, wooden flutes, malian kora, cowry shell shekere, slit gongs etc. 

No matter where you are, you can get these products online or at any store selling such products. People with passion for ethnic products flock in at these stores at regular intervals showing their interest towards genuine African imports.

Add A Bit of African Culture to Your Life with African Wood Carvings

African art is inspired by its diverse cultures and traditions. African art is beautiful, being influenced and enriched greatly by Western art and architecture as well as African tribes. Its history dates back to the ancient times. The earliest sculpture forms discovered come from Nigeria dating around 500BC. Wood carvings are an important aspect of African art. They are intricate, distinctive, visually appealing and are, no doubt, valuable addition to your display case. 

Animals and other figurines are popular forms of African wood carvings, imitating the rich African culture. These are hand carved by local artists with great detail. Although you can directly buy these wood carvings from local artists quite cheap, you can also find such exquisite items in various galleries and stores. These stores often offer sale or discount on these art forms. Wood sculptures of giraffe, elephant, cheetah, antelope, lion, warthog, zebra, rhino, gazelle, water buffalo, eagle, fish, horse etc. are popular carvings. Besides, animal letter openers & napkin rings, bread baskets, bowls with side carvings, candle holders, Kenyan couple, Kenyan nativity sets, Maasai warriors, Maasai woman, Mary, Joseph and the Christ child, painted bowls, rosewood candy dish, salad spoon & fork, tribal sticks, zoo safari sets, wired & beaded round bowls, tribal princess are common African wood carvings.

Each piece of African art is stellar in their look and making. If you love ethnic artwork, African wood carvings can be just perfect for your home adornment.

African Fashion Clothing – Are You Game for It?

Africa is a melting pot of different ethnicities and it’s really alluring. Virtually everything about Africa breathes vibrancy, charm and strong attachment to its roots. Take for example, African clothes or African fabrics. Whether regular or fashion clothing, they are equally stunning and sure to catch your fancy! 

Speaking of African fashion clothing, they are made mostly from locally grown cotton, sheep and camel wool, jute, flax, silk, mud cloth, rayon, suede, lace, brocade, polyester, wax print, batik, kitenge, Kente cloth etc. These garments are quite emblematic of African culture. From colors, patterns, motifs, cuts to fabrics – everything is utterly simple and original. 

The fashion wears are eye-catching. Agbada sets (grand boubou), Dashiki shirt & pant sets, mud cloth robes, embroidered suit and hat sets, unisex brocade pant sets for men and skirt & wrapper sets, printed & lacy halter dresses and tops, brocade kaftans & dresses and wedding apparel are some of the popular fashion wears in Africa. African imports have a growing demand in the global market. The biggest aspect of African fashion wear is that they are truly beautiful. Today various international fashion shows unveil these garments to a larger audience. You can buy these stuffs online for men, women and children or get them from any local store.

The enduring Appeal of African Musical Instruments

African musical instruments much akin to the vastness of the continent are diverse in their number, type, shape and sounds. Popular music and melodic instruments of Africa vary according to different regions having their own distinct appeal. The richness of African musical tradition has various influences – African-American, Caribbean, Latin American and others. Enslaved Africans have also in turn influenced African popular music due to their exposure to other cultures.

Some typical and unique African musical instruments include D’Jembe drums from Senegal, Mali and Ghana, tic toc drums, djun djun drums, talking drums, rattles, gankeke bells, balafons, wooden flutes, malian kora, cowry shell shekere, slit gongs etc. There are also various other string, xylophone, wind and harp-like instruments which are so characteristic of Africa. Among drums, D’Jembe drums, bougarabou, talking drums, water drums, ngoma drums, tic toc drums hold a special place in African musical tradition. These drums are used for various ceremonies – marriage, birth, hunting, death and are accompanied with ritual dance. Many drums are even used to inspire people in war. These drums are perhaps the most basic of all African musical instruments dating back to 500 A.D. having deeper symbolic meaning. Many of them are used to ward off evil spirits and pay respect to good spirits, the dead and the ancestors. They actually represent the natural rhythm and beauty of the people of Africa. Music is an integral part of African culture; in fact, for generations, much of their history and culture have drawn a lot of inspiration from music.

The Earthy and Irresistible Allure of African Garments– Can You Ignore It?

There is something fascinating about Africantraditional wear. It’s earthy, vibrant, colorful and speaks volumes about their way of life and ethnicity. The colors, patterns, motifs, cuts, fabrics – everything is outright simple and indigenous. Not only clothes, the richness of African culture can be seen in its day-to-day accessories, jewelleries, artworks, health&beauty products and other items. 

African daily wear is truly unique and beautiful. Some are seasonal. Dashikis, mud cloth attire, lace work clothing, boubou, kaftans, kanzu, kanga, gomesie, habesha kemis, djellaba, jellabiya, tie & dye t-shirts, Kente pant sets etc. are some popular African regular wear for men, women and children. Apart from these, African fashion clothing like agbada sets (grand boubou), Dashiki shirt & pant sets, mud cloth robes, embroidered suit and hat sets, unisex brocade pant sets for men and skirt & wrapper sets, printed & lacy halter dresses and tops, brocade kaftans & dresses and wedding apparel deserve special mention. 

African garments – both regular and fashion wear have a steady demand worldwide. Many of them feature in renowned international fashion shows. Elite designers from the continent showcase their creations in these shows. Whether it’s a fun evening, theme party, formal wedding, business function or regular wear, you’ll get something for every occasion. Go indulge yourself!