Currency

When I was researching on Pinterest for my last show - Out of Africa - I found lots of photos of African jewellery, masks, and headdresses using cowrie shells.

The cowrie shell was one of the most successful and universal forms of currency in the world, but in West Africa it worked its way into the cultural fibre, taking on a deeper spiritual and ritualistic  meaning that has never been entirely lost. They were phased out (reluctantly, by the African people who were resistant to the imposition of colonialism ) in favour of the French franc in the 1940s. But traces still remain - in Burkhina Faso, alms are given to the poor in the form of cowries, and some ritual services still use them. The West African Central Bank headquarters in Benin is decorated with cowrie shells. Fascinating stuff.

For todays post I remade one of my favourite pairs from the show with variations - using cowrie shells, leopardskin jasper, oxblood lampwork rings from  Julia Hay and warm coloured glass beads wired to beaten brass domed connectors, with hand made brass earwires. The cowrie shells are from Sylvia Stungo of Fizzyelements. Very dangly, very African.

 

    Hope you like them - available in my Etsy shop, if you do. See you in two weeks time.

                                                              Lindsay xx

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Mali Clay Earrings

African Tribal Earrings

I am captivated by ethnic beads. So these handmade African black clay beads from Mali were irresistible to me. Their shape and pattern are simple but bold, so I used copper beads and spacers, with a bit of bright red vulcanite to accent the earthy clay focals. The copper and vulcanite are also handmade in different parts of Africa from recyclable materials. I think it is the slight irregularities and imperfections that I find so appealing in the African beads, and I use them frequently in my designs.

My hammered copper dangles seem the perfect shape to blend with the African beads. I hammered a texture onto them and added a darkening patina to get that aged look. When I need heavy copper blanks, I know I can find unique shapes at SupplyDiva on Etsy. The owner, Laura, has set up a workshop in Mexico to train women in metal work but also in other skills that they can use to be independent and productive.

So there you have it! A blend of handmade components from Mali and Mexico assembled in a tribal earring design.
















Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Shaman

African Shaman Earrings

Images , oral traditions, and historical descriptions show women as invokers, healers, herbalists, oracles and diviners, ecstatic dancers, shapeshifters, shamanic journeyers, and priestesses of the ancestors. In western Africa, the sorceress Kulutugubaga has the power to heal all and bring the dead to life. (from Woman Shaman by Max Dashú).

My earrings were designed to evoke a Shaman mood of mystery and spiritualism, using striped African barrel beads, African brass trade beads, and primitive pewter charms from Inviciti. Handmade black glass with stripes of ruddy red and white blend beautifully in color and character with the dark patinated pewter drops. A powerful combination, as the Shaman is a powerful position within a tribe, emanating strength and recuperative power for those who depend on her.

© Melbyika | Dreamstime.com - Himba Woman Photo











Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Chieftess

Rustic Copper Shield Earrings

Sometimes we need a little boost to feel great about ourselves. You know that outfit in your closet that effortlessly works and always makes you feel like you're at the top of your game? I think we all have one of those. So you don't have to actually be the "Chieftess" or the "Alpha", just feel like one every now and then. That is what these earrings say to me, "Look out, here I come!". Maybe I should call these my attitude lifting earrings?

To the wonderfully rustic copper shield components from Kristi Bowman, I added hammered copper wire arches and wire wrapped loops, and niobium ear wires. Sherbet orange Czech glass drops and tiny turquoise rounds add color and positive energy to the design.


Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire

Changing Hands

My design features bright and funky enameled hand charms that I found on Sunday at a local Bead Bazaar, paired with powder glass Krobo beads from Ghana. The charms were made by Sara Lukkonen, and I thought they might be a fun way to help send a message. Personally, I love ethnic art and so it is not surprising that I like to use African beads in my designs. If more people were aware of the story behind these beautiful beads, they would grow even more popular.

It is uncertain how long the powder glass beads have been made in Africa, but these days they come mostly from the Krobo region of Ghana in West Africa, handmade from recycled glass by Ashanti and Krobo people. The beads play a part in local traditions, worn to identify families or to demonstrate wealth or social position. Bead making and other creative arts bring tourism to African countries and provide income for more and more people.

Krobo Beads: Bidding for Tourism Boom – By Kofi Akpabli

For more information on the process of making powder glass beads, click here. It really is a labor intensive method, but the result is well worth it.

Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Sahara Meets Southwest

If you are familiar with my work, then you already know that I am a huge fan of Kristi Bowman and regularly use her handmade copper components. I put the copper pieces on the table and stare at them for days thinking about different approaches before deciding on a design that will suit them.

These copper components are a symbol called tanfouk, used by the nomadic Taureg tribes of North Africa. It is a fertility symbol, but it is the shape that appeals to me. My goal was to embellish the shapes without distracting from them. They are already quite large, so I did not want to add length to them unless it was necessary. The beaded wires were my solution and then I added some color with the dangling Czech glass beads.

The Perfect Leather Jacket by bohobeader featuring theory

Theory , $140 / Donna Karan belted jacket / 7 For All Mankind super skinny jeans / rag & bone stacked heel / Big Buddha hobo shoulder bag / Vintage scarve / American Apparel vintage sunglasses

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis for the Curious Blog