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

Madras Mosaic

Madras Mosaic Earrings

Let me take you to a marketplace in Madras, an Indian seaport city on the Bay of Bengal. Picture the street crowded with people, sellers of fruit and vegetables, fabrics and colorful adornments. Spicy curries are being prepared, each one with a distinctive flavor, and the aroma is everywhere.

My earring design reflects the mood of the Indian street market, with a rich mix of ethnic flavored textures and colors. The amazing drops are handmade by Natalie McKenna of Grubbi Ceramics on Etsy, and the accompanying beads are old chevron trade beads from the 1800s, Cheyenne pink seed beads, and recycled vinyl beads in a bright sea green. Stacked and wrapped in oxidized copper wire in keeping with the old ethnic look.

Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
ChrysalisToo on Etsy