Archive for the ‘African Jewelry’ Category

A Cowry Shell Necklace Set

African jewelry is beautiful and durable. Your African clothing wardrobe would not be complete without the addition of exquisite African jewelry. The cowry shell necklace is one great choice. But, first, let’s consider the history of the cowry shell.

The shells of cowries were used in centuries past as a form of currency. They were originally used in Africa for this purpose, but later they were used in ancient China and India as currency as well. The cowry is actually the shell of a mollusk or snail and cowry shells come in various colors.

In ancient Egypt, the cowry shell was considered to have magical properties. Explorers have uncovered thousands of cowry shells inside the Pharaoh’s tombs. History reveals that the traders of Africa preferred cowry shells as currency even when gold or silver were also offered as possibilities.

Cowries are reputed to have been use in ceremonies and for divination purposes to read the future. They are also believed to have been used as talisman to ward off problems or bad spirits.

Because of the beauty of these shells, they were eventually used for making jewelry. In Europe, Cowry shells were often worn in necklace form as an amulet to ward off the evil eye and/or to bring good fortune when trying to have children. The cowry shell is durable, long-lasting, and can be enjoyed for many years.

Cowry shells are beautiful and there are many necklaces, earrings, and other accessories that adorn them. When you select a cowry shell necklace, you will be sure to find others admiring it. And, since they were coveted and utilized in Africa, these jewels are a great way to celebrate and reflect your African heritage.

African cowry shell necklaces and belts are a great addition to any African clothing wardrobe. African jewelry immediately tells others that you are proud of whom you are and that you want others to know about your culture. Celebrating one’s ethnic background is important, and African jewelry is one way to do it.

The mysterious, magical cowry shell necklace or belt will not only add flavor to your outfit, but it will imbue you with some of the magic and beauty that they represent. Think about adding several cowry designs to your African clothing wardrobe today!

Whatever your tastes or budget, you are sure to find African jewelry that is inspiring. The jewelry is made of some of the most beautiful materials and these designs have an almost magical ability to transform any outfit into something more original and more beautiful.

Crescent Moon Wooden African Jewelry

One of the choices you might consider in African jewelry is the crescent moon wooden jewelry set. With a mystical flavor, the crescent moon necklace is a stand-out. In a rich black color made of many crescent moons, the necklace makes you feel like magic when you wear it. The necklace comes with matching earrings and this ensemble really is a show-stopper.

Another unique African jewelry choice is the 7 layer beaded necklace and earring set, available in blue or red. This dynamic ensemble displays the bold style associated with jewelry worn now and in ancient times in Africa.

The cowry shell necklace is also a must-have for serious shoppers. If you want a necklace that truly says “African heritage” then the cowry necklace is the right choice for you. At one time the cowry shell was the most common type of currency used in Africa. So, the cowry shell necklace ties you with your ancient African roots and displays just how beautiful you really are.

African seed necklaces are gorgeous and they create a subtle and lovely look. Accent your outfit with these beautifully-designed necklaces and you are sure to receive much admiration. Made from colorful seeds, these necklaces are a great choice.

Another option to help you complete your look is the stone bead choker and bracelet set. A popular option for lovers of African clothes and jewelry, this ensemble is made of silver and has emerald and burgundy-colored stones graciously set within it. Not a flashy or gaudy choice, but rather one of simple and understated elegance, this piece of African jewelry is guaranteed to make your outfit shine brighter.

With so many choices, African jewelry is a nice selection to add to any woman seeking fashion-forward designs with an eye toward the past. Elegant and simple, beautiful and functional, African jewelry is something that every woman would love. Get inspired by African heritage and add some of the African jewelry styles we offer at Your African Clothing Shop. We have something for everyone.

Whatever fashion statement you want to make with your African designs, you are sure to be a hit if you use African accessories to add some flavor to your wardrobe. There are a host of choices ranging from colorful African jewelry to stylish African handbags and African hats. Something is here for everyone.

If you want to start slowly in your inclusion of African styles in your wardrobe, there are several key accessories that will help you along the way. For women, you should think about trying an African handbag.

Sisal African Handbag

A nice choice would be a sisal bag. Sisal fabric is woven and heavy-duty, therefore, it stands up to the test of time. Because the fabric is so durable, you can keep the sisal bag for years to come and even pass it along to your daughter when you are ready for a new one. The sisal bag comes in different colors and styles, all woven into a beautiful design.

Another excellent African accessory for women is the cowry belt. You can choose from ornate cowry designs or simple ones. The beautiful cowry shells are creamy white in color and provide a great accent for jeans or black slacks. These belts can be worn by any woman—young or old—and they make a dynamic statement.

Women's Cowry Belt

The rasta hemp belt is also a fun African clothing accessory choice for you if you are looking to accent your outfit. The belts are made of soft hemp and the rasta design is colorful and unique, usually featuring stripes of red and green.

The ruana poncho is another fantastic accessory for ladies who want to infuse bold colors and geometric shapes into their wardrobe. The ruana poncho is worn over any outfit, whether casual or dressy, and adds a dynamic African clothing enhancement to your style. The ruana ponchos are elegant, warm and beautiful.

For the gentleman who wants to add flavor to his African clothing, the rasta-colored kufi cap is a great addition. These caps are colorful and unique with a yellow, red and green stripe woven around them. You are sure to stand out when you don this kufi cap.

Whatever your style or your budget, a great way to enhance your wardrobe is to add an African accessory, such as an African handbag, an African hat or African belt, to your outfit.

There are so many choices when selecting African clothing for your wardrobe. There are African purses, African jewelry, African handbags, ethnic jewelry styles and a large variety of options. The diversity and richness of the clothes and accessories are part of the reason why they are so very desirable. Whether you want to spice up your look and add a dash of color and African style for effect, or you want to dress from head to toe in African clothes, there is something for everyone.

Woman wearing African Clothing style

Although variety and styles are abundant, there are five must-have African clothing styles that you need to get your hands on for the best look.

The Kaftan: In West Africa, women wear colorful and beautiful kaftans. These are pullover dresses called wrappers and they are made in vibrant colors with various degrees of ornamentation. The kaftans are typically worn during the hottest part of the year because of their comfort and coolness. The kaftan is traditionally worn with a headscarf to match it. The style is most commonly worn at formal occasions nowadays, but there are informal versions of the kaftan as well. When paired with African jewelry or an African handbag, the Kaftan is a great choice and a must-have for ladies.

The Dashiki Top: The dashiki is traditionally worn by men in West Africa, but the style has evolved now and both men and women wear the colorful dashiki tops. These tunic-like garments come in rich and beautiful colors and can be worn with jeans or casual pants to complete any African outfit.

The Kufi: For men who want to get into African clothing, the kufi is a must-have. These beautifully designed hats that fit close to the head create a fashion statement wherever they are worn. They come in many different colors and designs and are very stylish.

The Cowry Necklace: Cowry shells were once used as a form of currency in Africa, but now they are used as one of the most beautiful choices for African jewelry. You should definitely include a cowry shell necklace in your list of African clothing must-haves.

Mudprint Pant Set: Any African clothing wardrobe should include a mudprint pant set. These beautifully designed sets can be worn by men and women. This choice of attire is great for couples who want to wear matching outfits.

Celebrating your African heritage through the clothing you wear is one dynamic and versatile way to tell others who you are and what you are about. Our website offers you access to fashions that are not merely African-inspired, but rather are real, authentic African clothes made on the continent of Africa.

African clothing has a rich history. Depending on what part of Africa a person is from, their clothing is a reflection of that region and diversity. For example, the dashiki is a men’s garment that is typically worn in western Africa. Colorful and unique, the dashiki covers the upper part of the body. There are formal and informal dashikis worn for various ceremonies. Typically, Muslims, Christians and followers of the African traditional religions wear dashikis. The dashiki is typically paired with drawstring pants that match. Often, bridegrooms wear dashikis for their wedding ceremonies.

Another type of dashiki is called a grand boubou. This style is commonly worn with matching pants and a long robe over the outfit. This attire is often worn by Nigerians and also by Muslims. The attire is frequently seen in Francophone countries. However, in recent years, this attire has become popular in western countries as well.

The dashiki is also a popular choice for Kwanzaa celebrations and can be seen frequently in western countries on these occasions.

A trio of African Americans wearing dashikis and African clothing

African clothing choices like the dashiki are a great way to make a fashion-forward statement while simultaneously telling others of your heritage.

To make the African dashiki look even more special, it should be paired with a kufi. The kufi is a traditional West African hat that fits close to the head. A kufi is often worn by older men in Africa who wish to show their status as wiser and revered leaders. But, it can also be worn here in the U.S. to show pride in your heritage.

Whatever African clothing you choose to wear, know that when you put it on, you are sharing a rich history with everyone. You are celebrating a people, a lifestyle, and a world view. The African clothes you display connect you with those of past and future generations.

Create a style that tells others of your pride and your heritage. The African clothes, African jewelry and African hats you wear all tell stories that others want to know.