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Earrings Ebony Wood

17 items

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - What is the history of women’s earrings?

While modern shapes and patterns may be new, earrings have actually been in existence for more than 7,000 years. In ancient cultures throughout Asia and Northern Africa, these pieces were traditionally worn by the wealthy elite who relied on accoutrements to communicate their status and position in society. In the Mesoamerican region of what is now Central America, earrings had religious significance and were worn by both men and women to honor pre-Hispanic deities. In ancient Peru, leaders adorned themselves in ceremonial garb, including earrings, which may have been used to indicate rank, function, religious codes, as well as emblems of power and prestige. Throughout history, earrings have been markers of social position and identity. While we may forget that this tremendous history lies behind a pair of modern earrings, global artisans work to keep ancient traditions alive.

+ - Are there any traditional methods for making women’s earrings?

Attention to detail, patience and expert craftsmanship are the essential ingredients that go into every pair of traditional earrings. Whether the style involves hand-beading, copal wood carving, metal work, fabric or filigree, processes often date back generations, and are handed down through families and artisan communities. One of the oldest methods of earring-making is jewelry casting. It is an art form that has been in existence for thousands of years. From the time that ancient civilizations learned to melt metal, they have been pouring molten gold and silver into cavities of stone, plaster, sand, and cuttlefish bone. Once hardened, castings were then broken free from their encasings and tooled into shape. While much has changed since these primitive forays, much remains the same. Around the world, artisans still use metal casting as an important process in jewelry making. Many cultures also make use of metal threads in their jewelry. Silver alloy, for example, is made in sheets or fine threads using a range of tools. Filigree, a delicate and beautiful art form, uses a process of weaving thin metal threads into a particular pattern or design. Regardless of the method of production, each pair of traditional earrings reflects the artisan's unique vision combined with processes passed down through generations.

Featured Reviews

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Ebony wood dangle earrings, 'Tonga Tornado'

Heather

Oct 21, 2017

Keepsake heritage piece of jewelry

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These earring are exquisite Afrocentric and well made piece of art. I can’t wait to order other pieces for the coming holiday

Dangle Jewellery

Ebony Wood Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

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Ebony dangle earrings, 'Fofoo Flower'

JK

Jul 9, 2019

Great timeless earrings

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Lightweight and simple modern design -- these earrings remind me of asterisks. I received compliments on them from a complete stranger the first time I wore them.

Dangle Jewellery

Brass Jewellery

Ebony Wood Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Floral Jewellery

Cultural Jewellery

Featured Artist

Ali Mohammed Hand-carved wood masks and jewelry

(99)

"I was good at learning through watching my brother when he was carving, and then I would try my hand and I would ask for assistance when needed."

"I was born in Accra and I grew up to become a friendly and curious person. It is my curiosity that has guided me in learning this art and honing... read more

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