by Erin Byers

Created on: September 22, 2008   Last Updated: September 25, 2008

Wood? Bone? Animal hair? These are not common items that would consider wearing around their neck or dangle from their ears. These items seem to be of no value to most people. However, these items have been fashioned into symbolic and meaningful jewelry for centuries. These items, along with leather, shells, metal, and beads, are used in making ethnic tribal jewelry.

Ethnic tribal jewelry is rich in tradition. Men and women of different nations and tribes have various ways in which they adorn themselves. Many of these items are spiritual or religious in nature; while other items are worn to display wealth, power, and social status.

One of the most widespread types of tribal jewelry is American Indian jewelry. Sterling silver with turquoise is probably the most popular. Many people recognize this as Native American jewelry, but few know its lineage. This popular combination is actually Navajo jewelry. Atsidi Sani ("Old Smith"), a Navajo blacksmith, is said to have been the first Navajo silversmith. He began his work with silver in the late 1860's. Around 1880, turquoise began appearing with silver in pieces of jewelry. Turquoise was said to ensure good blessings between the wearer and their god.

Zuni jewelry, another type of American Indian jewelry, is well known for its intricate inlay designs. Small pieces of coral, turquoise, and other stones are arranged in a design (i.e. flower) with silver channels separating the stones. This technique is similar to a mosaic. Petit point and needlepoint, which involve very small, elongated stone beads closely grouped together, are another popular Zuni jewelry technique.

African jewelry, another type of ethnic tribal jewelry, uses materials such as cowrie shell, bone, ostrich eggshell, elephant and giraffe hair, and metals such as brass, copper, and gold. African jewelry is very rich in symbolism. Common themes seen today are the scarab beetle, the ankh, and the Akua'ba doll. Cowrie shells, once used as a form of currency in parts of Africa, are now worn as a display of wealth and a symbol of fertility. Another symbol of fertility, the Akua'ba doll, is worn by the Akan women in Ghana. Scarab beetles were considered sacred and were worn to ward off evil spirits and to ensure the wearer a safe journey to the afterlife. The ankh, created by Africans in Ancient Egypt, stands as a symbol of everlasting life.

Whether it has been passed down through generations or has a personal meaning, there are many reasons why people own ethnic tribal jewelry. Considering the beauty and meaning behind this type of jewelry, it is a must have addition to every jewelry lover's collection.

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