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| Scarabs | |
| Scarabs hold a very significant role in African jewelry and artwork. These valued beetle symbols represent immortality due to their instinct to hibernate and then later re-emerge from the earth. They also symbolize the magnificence of the heavens as their shape resembles the sun. The scarab beetle god “Khepera” was believed to push the setting sun through the sky. In ancient times, the scarab beads were used to record historical events or prayers to be placed on mummies as a protection against evil. The underside of the scarab was always marked with the names of pharaohs, magical mottos or sacred animals. The scarab is also believed to be a symbol of the Sun-god and as such could stimulate the deceased heart to life. To this day scarab beads are worn not only as a fashion statement, but as a talisman against death and evil forces and as a bringer of good fortune. | |
| Tuareg Silver | |
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Tuareg silver is the most luxurious jewelry
worn in most West African countries. Many Tuareg people who can afford to
wear it will save it for only the most special occassions. Tuareg silver is believed to be ‘the pure metal blessed by the prophet.’ The Tuareg people of the Sahara wear jewelry made out of this silver as an indicator of wealth, position and origin. The highly esteemed Tuareg silversmiths create a wide array of jewelry objects that all tie together using the traditional berber markings that you will see on most of the tuareg jewelry sold at Africa Imports. These etchings are clean cut, concise, geometrical and repeated over and over again through all of the Tuareg silver. In much of Islamic culture, realistic images are considered to be sacreligious; hence the geometric patterns. The markings stand for ancient blessings of good fortune and symbols of protection for the wearer. This jewelry is so sophisticated and stylish, yet so full of African meaning. Tuareg silver itself is an alloy of silver and copper, which gives it a brilliant golden tone. This is not a sterling silver, and is sometimes made from silver dollars that have been melted.
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Crosses of Agadez
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These distinctive crosses are
a true work of art and identified as such by the signature of the
craftsman on the back of the piece. Written in Tomasheck or Arabic script.
There are many different crosses such as these throughout Africa: one
estimate is that there are 22 different patterns of crosses in existence.
The different crosses come from different towns; and identify where people
come from. They relate back to ancient times before Islam; when tribes
were heavily influenced by Christianity. The cross may be the same symbol
as in Christianity. It also has been known to symbolize the four corners
of the world. Originally, crosses were passed down from father to son. The
father would say to the son: “My son, I give you the four corners of the
world, because one can not know where one will die”. The cross of Agadez
is often given as a gift among African people, and they will say to the
receiver “No matter where you go God and I shall always be with you and
protect you”. Muslims across Africa believe that the arms of the cross
will disperse all evil from the individual, thus keeping him out of harms
way. |
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| The Meaning of Elephant Hair Bracelets | |
 Elephant hair bracelets are a popular bracelet that not only posses a unique look and charm, but also carry tremendous symbolical meaning. Elephant hair bracelets originated over 1200 years ago and were traditionally made out of real elephant hair. Each elephant hair bracelet contains 4 knots which represent what were thought to be the original elements: fire, wind, sun and water. When adjusting the bracelet to your hand it is believed that you are combining the forces of these elements with a life force. This process was believed to bring strength and good luck. Our elephant hair bracelets are hand made out of a natural plant fiber and are sure to add flair as well as meaning to your jewelry collection. |
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