This handcraft creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic. Rachel Armah calls this earring design 'Nhyira,' the Akan word for blessing. The earrings feature glossy brown agate, cut like wedges.
Product Features:
- Weight: 1.02 oz
- Dimensions: 2.6" L x 0.6" W
- Style: Dangle
- Gemstone colors: Orange
- Gemstone shapes: Bead
- Two rod-set bead-cut agates each measure 15 mm wide x 40 mm long
- Materials: Bauxite, Brass
- Finish: High polish
- Clasp: Hook
- Made in Ghana.
Story Behind the Art:.
Growing up in Abiriw was enjoyable and exciting. It was very much a communal life, and every year in September we celebrated the Odwira festival to give thanks for a good harvest and year. Festivities included a grand durbar of chiefs amidst drumming and dancing. The highlight of the celebration for me as a young girl was the display of the beautiful traditional colorful attires that people wore and accessorized with gorgeous beaded necklaces and other adornments.I am a single mother of two daughters and due to the hardships I have faced as a single mother, I have done all I can to support my girls through petty trading and teaching. With my background in clothing and textiles, I started sewing for people to supplement my income and I realized the need for accessories to enhance the cloths I produced. With this awareness coupled with the rich cultural experience I had growing up in different towns, I got into bead making.I learned the skill from a friend who graciously taught me at no cost. It was a very smooth and pleasant learning process and I was excited to put to use what I was taught. My friend was a good teacher and I a keen student, so in three months I was ready to start crafting pieces and selling them. However, due to financial constraints I wasn't start my own venture, I needed some capital to buy the materials and tools to start. I also like to teach under privileged youth how to make tie dye and batik free of charge. I have taught over forty people so far who have gone on to do this to improve their lives and to earn a living for their families.My dream for the future is to be able to set up a school with all the facilities needed to teach young and underprivileged girls bead and batik making on a large scale. I also hope to acquire the skills and machines needed to be able to carve out the stone beads at my workshop so I can have access to materials on time. Although we now reside in Accra, I make it a point to be part of the yearly Odwira festival in my hometown to be with my extended family, where I draw inspiration from. I hope you will enjoy my jewelry! I would like to say thank you to Novica for this opportunity to earn a living and share my jewelry with the world.
Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.