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!
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.
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
Pueblo Jewelry
The pieces here are mainly from Zuni and Santo Domingo Pueblos in New Mexico.
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.
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.
Turkoman Pieces
Another culture which produces amazing ethnic accessories. Add some of these stunning beauties to your wardrobe!
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 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.
More Ethnic Accessories from Tibet
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.
Moroccan Pieces, including Berber Accessories
Stunning silver work and beads from North Africa:
The Arabian Peninsula
Items here include Bedouin, Yemeni Jew and more.
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!
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
If you love ethnic jewelry like I do, or simply admired this page, please sign the guestbook!
I also appreciate star ratings. Thank you!
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GypsyOwl
Jul 21, 2008 @ 3:13 pm | delete
- How beautiful! Thank you for this and your other beautiful lenses. I love beads, pottery, and other arts that have been nearly forgotten. :D Great Lens! 5*
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Junecluade
Sep 17, 2010 @ 2:32 pm | delete
- I love native american jewelry, thank you for the sources i went to www.silvertribe.com and found some of the best turquoise jewelry
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