When we think of Ethnic jewelry the first place that comes to mind is Africa with its richness of tribal cultures and traditions. Africa has thousands of tribes and clans each with its own distinctive style of clothing and jewelry this is what makes this continent the melting pot for ethnic culture. The style and materials of the jewelry is dictated by the availability of raw materials native to the region and the hot climate. African jewelry designs are influenced by the beliefs of the people and the environment of the region; it is a vast field of study.


Africa can be divided into three main regions which are the Sahara regions, The North African region and the Savannah. These three regions are geographically far apart and each culture is enriched with different surrounding cultures and races which makes them all very different tribes of people. The Sahara region is dominated by Berbers and Moors it is influenced by Egyptian designs and you will find there jewelry containing a lot of geometrical shapes. The metal of choice here is silver and they most famous design is that of the Tuareg cross which is made from silver as silver represents the prophets to the Tuareg people.


The Dogon tribes usually make their jewelry from iron or copper alloy they believe that there jewelry is linked to powers of the occult. Their jewelry is very spiritual and is dedicated to the next life and their ancestors. The Dugo necklace is a fine example of this made up of various
spirals all representing an ancestor handed down through the generations to be added to every time an ancestor passed away.


Ivory is very popular among the rain forest regions, it is considered secret and is believed to contain magical powers. In ancient times it was only royalty that were permitted to wear ivory. Brass is also very popular among the people of this region typically worn on the hips to emphasize the wiggling and giggle of the lady’s hips it is a very sexy jewelry piece. The hip ornaments were typically made by method of bronze casting and this method is still in practice today and worn by the women of modern day Nigeria. The rain forest is also home to the Yoruba tribe which has a different use for jewelry. They wear jewelry as protection against evil sprits they use their jewels as talisman to ward off danger and protect their loved ones.


The Moors are a nomad tribe and are the most interracial of the African tribes this lends a very mixed cultural influence to their jewelry. Jewelry is a very important bartering commodity in trading to these people. Each year they hold a festival called Cure Salee in the months of August and September where they camp and allow their camels to rest and graze for a while. The hair of beautiful women is wrapped around brass ankle bracelets and these are used to entice and attract young men. These ankle bracelets are an important feature of the culture and are called Jabo bracelets. This festival is an occasion were people trade in jewelry for various items need for the rest of the year for their journey.