Let’s travel across the Arabian Sea and into the land of mystical culture. We are talking about sunny Africa, where once civilization was born, and where most parts of the nation are still yet to be discovered. However, when we talk about Africa, we must mention the culture so vibrant and colorful, the people so warm and hospitable and the chic fashion statements made, keeping their tradition alive. One of the prominent aspects of African fashion would be colorful jewelry, especially the African necklaces worn by them. Today we shall speak more about the African necklaces, which we think can be worn with our ensembles on Diwali for a mix-and-match effect. Take a look and let us know.
[Also Read: Amazing Trendy Statement Necklaces 2016]
Popular African necklaces
The African neckpieces you get to see around are made from various materials, and today we shall tell you more about them so it makes it easier to choose. Read a little more about African necklaces history and the range of tribal jewelry Africa has, which tells you better what to choose and why!
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Precious Beads
You would find many African women wearing statement neckpieces at very special occasions made from jade and diamonds, to uphold their status in society. However, the PYTs around Africa these days prefer beadwork over heavy precious stones for daily to semi-formal wear. African jewelry is famous for beadwork, which are crafted into chic necklaces over time. The queens of fashion- the MASAI group are famous for Africa beaded necklaces.
Clay Neckpieces
You do have artisans and craftsmen working on white and red clay to form them into tiny and large beads, which then are curated into lovely neckpieces. A colourful bunch to behold we say, they are an excellent alternative for those that don’t want to wear heavy metallic or stone jewellery and yet want to look vibrant and beautiful during the festival season.
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Metal Work
Most African cultures would have metal work as a part of their traditional ways. For example, the HIMA culture is where women are embellished with metallic jewellery all over their bodies. Silver, gold, bronze or copper, you name it and the western part of Africa thrives in making metallic neckpieces and other jewellery for their women.
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Plant Material
Considered to be a very popular source of jewellery, plant material is readily available and very cheap to buy which is why PYTs and college goers look at African necklaces designs made from the same source to wear.
[Also Read: necklaces for women]
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Stoned Up
Sandstone is the ideal source from where plenty of African jewellery is made, since it is easy to carve into and create something. Mostly seen in Kenya, sandstone neckpieces and other forms of jewellery are given a different hue and texture once polished into something beautiful and chic.
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Wooden Delights
Africans love their wood and making jewellery out of it is thus considered to be sacred or common. They love carving designs and varnishing the wooden jewellery they make, and curate varied items; neckpieces and armbands being the most popular ones.
What You Would See Most PYTs Wear
1. Chokers- this is a piece amongst the many African necklaces types that are worn by girls from the Masai clan, and it is handed down through generations when they reach puberty
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2. Masai wedding neckpieces- these are African necklaces types which girls receive just before they get married. The first piece is handed down by the family, and the other pieces are given by near and dear ones; it depends on the girl as to how many she plans to wear.
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3. Beaded neckpieces- most African necklaces types are made from colourful beads and available in a large range of colors. Mostly worn by the young adults and teens, beaded charms are a way to add more color to your life, say the African girls!
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Quite interesting it was to tell you all about African necklaces types and their background. Do let us know which of the African necklaces types would best suit your ethnic ensembles this Diwali!
