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From beads to fashion

From beads to fashion

 

As the video shows, the know-how and dexterity of these women are transforming a traditional art into a contemporary fashion trend. As a result, across the globe, thousands of women are now wearing Maasai jewelry as accessories. They match it with their dresses, tops and bottoms. Hence, they proudly display an artwork they identify with. It is more than a jewelry, it is their way to tell those women in Africa that their work is beautiful, valuable and fashionable. For those artisans, it’s a way to earn a living. Moreover, for those who love those handicrafts, it’s a way to appreciate the cleverness and adroitness of hands that can speak about beauty and fashion.

From colorful beads to dazzling earrings, necklaces and bracelets, women all over the world have learned to discover a culture that uses beads to express emotions and lifestyle. Today, they’re sharing the beauty of their beads and jewelry with all of us.

The hands that create these jewelry make them with passion, art and dexterity. The way they assemble colors together is the expression of the beauty they want to see in each and every one of us when we proudly wear the works of their hands. Each color has a meaning. Each piece of jewelry has a value. So together they compliment our style. They brighten our outfit. And they catch the eyes of admirers who can’t help but say out loud how beautiful we look.

Safari Nativ opens its door

A premier site for handcrafted yet modern African beaded jewelry, clothing and cultural gifts. Open 24/7 online.

A panoply of handcrafted items

On sale for Black History Month (Feb 1 -Feb 29)

Classy Necklaces

On sale for Black History Month (Feb 1 -Feb 29)

Elegant earrings

On sale for Black History Month (Feb 1 -Feb 29)

Chic coiled bracelets

On sale for Black History Month (Feb 1 -Feb 29)

”IT’S OUR HERITAGE.”

 

The “beads” story

Beads have been used by Maasai women for centuries. Beads in Maasai society are very meaningful as they indicate social status and special circumstances such as wedding, birth, etc. Maasai women are dexterous jewelry maker and make with elegance those beautiful jewelry we love.

Red  beads are synonym of bravery and strength. Red also symbolized the blood of cow slaughtered for community feast, hence representing unity.

Blue beads are synonym of energy.

Green beads are synonym of land and health. Land because of the food cattle needs for grow and health because a green land is a healthy land.

Orange is synonym of hospitality. Several tribes use the skins of animal to make blankets, especially for guests.

White is synonym of purity. Traditionally, Maasai considered cows as holy cattle. So they associate the color of cow’s milk to purity.

Black is synonym of challenges and difficulty people face.