World Tribal Jewelry

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The Beauty of Ethnic Tribal Accessories

All around the world, different tribal cultures wear traditional jewelry. Some represent the wearer's marital status, while in other regions jewelry may denote the wealth of the person wearing it or simply be an expression of what the people consider to be beautiful.

As an artist and jewelry designer, I have always been fascinated by the beauty and style of native tribal jewelry, especially Native American and Tibetan pieces.

Please join me in exploring some of the world's unique and beautiful ethnic accessories!

Native American Jewelry 

The native inhabitants of North America were making jewelry before the European settlers and traders arrived. However, when these new people came, bringing with them glass beads and baubles and new technologies, personal adornment took on new forms.
In the eastern and plains states, beading became an art form, where in the southwest, the Navajo developed as excellent silversmiths.

Navajo Accessories 

Enjoy browsing the great selection of Navajo pieces on ebay

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Pueblo Jewelry 

The pieces here are mainly from Zuni and Santo Domingo Pueblos in New Mexico.

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Afghani and Turkoman Jewelry 

The tribes of these arid and often mountainous regions have mined precious and semi-precious stones and metals for centuries.
Jewelry here often carries a significance beyond decorative. It may be a dowry piece, or have religious meaning.
Common traits of pieces from this area include silversmithing, lapis or carnelian (amongst other) stones, and sometimes gold wash on the silver.

Afghani Items to Add to Your Collection 

Some of the world's most striking ethnic accessories come from Afghanistan, home of the world's largest lapis mines.

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Turkoman Pieces 

Another culture which produces amazing ethnic accessories. Add some of these stunning beauties to your wardrobe!

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Tibetan Jewelry 

Much of the jewelry created and worn in the Tibetan region is silver and uses turquoise and coral, much like its Native American counter-parts.
Tibetan jewelry, however, is often religious in nature...for example, exquisite tiny prayer box pieces containing scrolls or other sacred objects.

Tibetan Prayer Box Pendants 

Prayer Box Pendants are not only gorgeous but often have religious significance.

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More Ethnic Accessories from Tibet 

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African Tribal Jewelry 

From the silver smithing common to the Taureg to the beading of the Zulu, African tribal jewelry is stylish and elegant.

Taureg Accessories 

The Taureg are a proud, semi-nomadic people who inhabit a large portion of northwestern Africa, including significant areas within Libya, Algeria, Mali and Niger.

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Moroccan Pieces, including Berber Accessories 

Stunning silver work and beads from North Africa:

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The Arabian Peninsula 

Items here include Bedouin, Yemeni Jew and more.

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For a more in depth look at specific regions/cultures: 

The following pages focus on a specific area or cultural group's adornment. Please visit them to learn more!

Tribal Jewelry resources on the web 

Here are just a few of the many sources I have found to browse for more items to add to my collection.
If you like Ethnic Jewelry from any region, be sure to check them out!
Silver Tribe
Native American Tribal Jewelry retailer.
Tekke Arts
The homepage of an eBay seller specializing in Afghani and other Asian jewelry and handicrafts. I highly recommend them!
Jewelry Wave
Another dealer specializing in Asian accessories. Carries a lot of Tibetan pieces.
Yemen Silver
Another page maintained by one of my favorite eBay sellers. The pieces here and fine silver work from the Arabian Peninsula as well as North Africa.
Ethnic Embellishments
Focuses mainly on Middle Eastern, Central Asian and North African cultures. A good selection of both finished pieces as well as bead components such as enameled Moroccan silver.
Nepalese Beads
Carries a wide selection of beautiful silver and gemstone beads and pendants from Nepal and Tibet.

Comments and Suggestions 

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