Cameos & Pins

Queen Nefertiti of ancient Kemet (Egypt) was not just another beautiful face.  She was addressed by her people as "Ruler of the Nile," and it is believed that she wielded major religious and political power in her day.  She is the stepmother of King Tutankhamen (aka King Tut).  It was during the reign of the 18th Dynasty with her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaton, that the practice of monotheism was re-established in Egypt.

 Approx. 2¼" x 1⁷/8"

This smart little pin also features Queen Nefertiti. 

Approx. 1½" x 1¼"

Queen Nzinga of Angola (1623-1663) led one the first and arguably one of the most effective resistance movements against the Portuguese in the 15th century.  Her aim was to drive the Portuguese out of Angola and to break their monopoly on the slave trade. Though she never lost her feminine touch, Queen Nzinga preferred to be called king and dressed as a man when she led her troops into battle.  When recalling the history of Angola, Nzinga should be remembered as one of its primary figures.

Approx. 2¼" x 1⁷/8"

Among the Akan people of Ghana, the Akua’ba (fertility) figure has quite an interesting story.  Legend reveals that a woman named Akua had difficulty conceiving a child. She commissioned a wooden figure called Akuaba and cared for it like a real baby.  The women of the village called the figure "Akua’s child" but subsequently Akua indeed became pregnant.   Since she bore a daughter, Akuaba primarily represents the female.  Even today, women in Ghana who desire a child will carry an Akuaba sculptural figure to encourage conception.

Approx. 2¾" x 1¼"

Nut (pronounced noot) was one of the pantheon of gods in ancient Egypt.  She personified the heavens.  The cycle of night and day came through her as she swallowed the sun at the end of the day (causing darkness) and gave  birth to it again (causing daylight).  

Approx. 2¼"

Farmer's Mask Pin - Item No. FMP01 - $25.00

Masks have always had great significance in African cultures

and the Farmer’s Mask is no exception.  During certain ceremonies, celebrations, or rituals, masks represent either a male or female, however, the dancers who wear them are almost always male.  The Farmer’s Mask is used in asking for or giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Approx. 2½" x 7/8"

African Bar Pin - Item No. ABP01 - $25.00

Among the art of many African cultures, special objects such as scepters, utensils, musical instruments, etc., were created to convey the status of members of the royal court.  This pin inspired by Africa’s royal art is enhanced with natural cowrie shells that also denote prominence and stature.

Approx. 3" x ¾"

Necklaces

Cowrie Necklace (red) - Item No. CN02 - $35.00

Cowrie Necklace (crystal) - Item No. CN03 - $35.00 - Out of Stock

Cowrie shells are an important feature in African art, design and rituals.  On masks and other significant objects, they are used to denote prominence and stature.  Once bartered as currency in some African cultures, cowrie shells are also known to symbolize fertility.  In addition, they are used by healers and diviners to determine one's destiny. Women in African cultures as far-reaching as ancient Egypt and Nubia wore belts made with cowrie shells cast in gold.  You too can wear them with distinction.

Approx. 16" 

Touch image with mouse to see

 Item No. CN03

Circular shapes are significant in African art and culture.  Among the  Asante (pronounced A-shan-ti) people  of Ghana and many other African ethnic groups, one of the references of the spiral is the unbroken cycle of life.

Approx. 17½"

Cartouche Pendant - Item No. CTP01 ("Ma'at") - $22.00

Cartouche Pendant - Item No. CTP02 ("Hotep") - $22.00 (not shown)

The shenu (cartouche) is a prevalent symbol on the ancient temple walls in Egypt.  It usually bears the name of a pharaoh or other member of the ruling class written in hieroglyphs.  Ma'at means truth, justice, balance and reciprocity (which was the the guiding principle ancient Egyptians lived by). Hotep means peace.

Approx. 21" (cord)

In the art of Benin, West Africa, the mudfish symbolizes the divinity of the oba (king), as it is a creature that can mediate between water and land.  The oba is viewed as semi-divine, as he has the ability to mediate between the natural world and the spiritual world. 

Among the Akan people of Ghana, the Akua’ba (fertility) figure has quite an interesting story.  Legend reveals that a woman named Akua had difficulty conceiving a child. She commissioned a wooden figure called Akuaba and cared for it like a real baby.  The women of the village called the figure "Akua’s child" but subsequently Akua indeed became pregnant.   Since she bore a daughter, Akuaba primarily represents the female.  Even today, women in Ghana who desire a child will carry an Akuaba sculptural figure to encourage conception.

Matching earrings available (Item No. ADE01). See below.

Approx. 20"

As with most African art, symbolism is key.  The crocodile lives in water, it also breathes air, therefore, it represents the ability to adapt to different circumstances.

Among the Akan people of Ghana, the Akua’ba (fertility) figure has quite an interesting story.  Legend reveals that a woman named Akua had difficulty conceiving a child. She commissioned a wooden figure called Akuaba and cared for it like a real baby.  The women of the village called the figure "Akua’s child" but subsequently Akua indeed became pregnant.   Since she bore a daughter, Akuaba primarily represents the female.  Even today, women in Ghana who desire a child will carry an Akuaba sculptural figure to encourage conception.

Approx. 23" (cord).  Also available as a pin (see above)

Ethiopian Cross Pendant - Item No. ECP01- $25.00

The Ethiopian Cross is one of the sacred symbols used among African peoples.  It traces its origin to the Egyptian ankh. The Christian church subsequently adopted the cross.  According to some historians, the cross, irrespective of what part of the world it is found in, has practically the same meaning—it symbolizes the life to come.

Cross approx. 2¾" x 1-7/8", cord approx. 23"

Ethiopian Cross Necklace - Item No. ECP02  - $22.00

Ethiopian Cross Necklace -  Item No. ECP03 - $22.00     (Touch image with mouse to see  Item No. ECP03)

Item No. ECP02  Approx.  2" x 1" Cord, 19"

Item No. ECP03  Approx.  1¾"x 1-3/8", Cord, 22"

Touch image with mouse to see

 Item No. ECP03

A number of symbols called Adinkra among the Akan people of Ghana represent proverbs.  Sankofa means "Go back and fetch it."  It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you lost in order to move forward.  It is the symbol of the wisdom in learning from the past to build for the future.

Approx. 2⅛" x 2¾", cord approx. 23"

Spiral Necklace - Item No. SpN02 - $30.00

Circular shapes are significant in African art and culture.  Among the  Asante (pronounced

A-shan-ti) people  of Ghana and many other African ethnic groups, one of the references of the spiral is the unbroken cycle of life.

Matching earrings (not shown) Item No. SpE03 - $12.00

Approx. 17"

Scarabs were considered sacred in ancient Egypt.  They represented rebirth and were worn as amulets to ward off evil and to provide a safe journey to the Afterlife.

Approx. 20"

In ancient Egypt, the udjat (Eye of Horus) was designed to resemble the right eye of the Egyptian God, Horus.  The Eye of Horus was believed to have healing and protective power.  It was used as a protective amulet (to ward off the "evil eye") and as a medical measuring device, using the mathematical proportions of the eye to determine the proportions of ingredients in medicinal preparations.   

Approx. 20"

Nut (pronounced noot) was one of the pantheon of gods in ancient Egypt.  She personified the heavens.  The cycle of night and day came through her as she swallowed the sun at the end of the day (causing darkness) and gave  birth to it again (causing daylight).  

Also available as a pin- Item No.  NGP01 - $20.00 

Approx. 20"

Earrings

Cowrie Earrings (post) - Item No. CE02 - $22.00 

Approx. 1" x 3/8"

Note:  Item is available with ruby red (shown), rainbow "crystal" or black Czech glass beads.     Please specify color when ordering

Cowrie Earrings - Item No. CE03 - $15.00

This item is temporarily out of stock

Approx. 1¾"

Circular shapes are significant in African art and culture.  Among the  Asante (pronounced A-shan-ti) people  of Ghana and many other African ethnic groups, one of the references of the spiral is the unbroken cycle of life.

Approx. 2¼"

Spiral Earrings - Item no. SpE02 - $15.00

Circular shapes are significant in African art and culture.  Among the  Asante (pronounced A-shan-ti) people  of Ghana and many other African ethnic groups, one of the references of the spiral is the unbroken cycle of life.

Approx. 2"

Among the Akan people of Ghana, the Akua’ba (fertility) figure has quite an interesting story.  Legend reveals that a woman named Akua had difficulty conceiving a child. She commissioned a wooden figure called Akuaba and cared for it like a real baby.  The women of the village called the figure "Akua’s child" but subsequently Akua indeed became pregnant.   Since she bore a daughter, Akuaba primarily represents the female.  Even today, women in Ghana who desire a child will carry an Akuaba sculptural figure to encourage conception.

Approx. 1½"

In ancient Egypt, the udjat (Eye of Horus) was designed to resemble the right eye of the Egyptian God, Horus.  The Eye of Horus was believed to have healing and protective power.  It was used as a protective amulet (to ward off the "evil eye") and as a medical measuring device, using the mathematical proportions of the eye to determine the proportions of ingredients in medicinal preparations.   

Approx. 1" x 1-1/8"

Pharaoh Tutankhamen came into power as a child during Egypt's 18th Dynasty.  He is probably most noted for the cache of gold and other treasures amassed from his tomb in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, he died young and was not allowed to realize his full potential as Egypt's leader.

Approx. 3/8" x ½".   Also available as a hanging earring.

Scarabs were considered sacred in ancient Egypt.  They represented rebirth and were worn as amulets to ward off evil and to provide a safe journey to the Afterlife.

Approx. 3/8" x ½".   Also available as a hanging earring.

Queen Nefertiti of ancient Kemet (Egypt) was not just another beautiful face.  She was addressed by her people as "Ruler of the Nile," and it is believed that she wielded major religious and political power in her day.  It was during the 18th Dynasty reign with her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaton, that the practice of monotheism was re-established in Egypt.

Approx. 2"

Key Chains

Among the Akan people of Ghana, the Akua’ba (fertility) figure has quite an interesting story.  Legend reveals that a woman named Akua had difficulty conceiving a child. She commissioned a wooden figure called Akuaba and cared for it like a real baby.  The women of the village called the figure "Akua’s child" but subsequently Akua indeed became pregnant.   Since she bore a daughter, Akuaba primarily represents the female.  Even today, women in Ghana who desire a child will carry an Akuaba sculptural figure to encourage conception.

Approx. 4" (including length of chain)

Bracelets

Circular shapes are significant in African art and culture.  Among the  Asante (pronounced A-shan-ti) people  of Ghana and many other African ethnic groups, one of the references of the spiral is the unbroken cycle of life.

Approx. 7¼"

Cowrie shells are an important feature in African art, design and rituals.  On masks and other significant objects, they are used to denote prominence and stature.  Once bartered as currency in some African cultures, cowrie shells are also known to symbolize fertility.  In addition, they are used by healers and diviners to determine one's destiny. Women in African cultures as far-reaching as ancient Egypt and Nubia wore belts made with cowrie shells cast in gold.  You too can wear them with distinction.

Adjustable cuff.

Jewelry Boxes

These beautiful boxes are handcrafted in Egypt.  The wood base is wonderfully enhanced with Mother of Pearl inlays.  Inside is lined with red velvet.  A perfect item for housing your jewelry from our collection!

Approx.  5"W x 3¼ x D x 2½"H

See shipping rates for boxes on order form

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All Rights Reserved.

Website last updated:  02/27/2010

Web Designer: Reba Ashton-Crawford

 Sankofa World Publishers

P.O. Box 473592

   Brooklyn, New York 11247

   Ph. (718)756-8904