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 Here we are featuring a special necklace made of tiny Masai beads from central Kenya, and a carved pendant of polished camel bone, carved into the shape of a lion’s tooth, and painted with a geometric pattern. Traditionally, the lion represents strength and courage. Kenyans are now prohibited from using parts from wild animals in an attempt to preserve the wildlife. So the domesticated animal bone is carved and polished and used in jewelry by the various tribes. Thin reeds have been cut into short pieces and strung on this strand, too. These natural elements have been worked together into a sophisticated, distinctive design, which could be worn by either men or women
There are 42 different tribes in Kenya and all of them have distinct traditions and customs, which are an important part of their lives. This Kenyan craft woman has taken traditional art and craft elements and traditional designs of various ethnic groups in Africa and put them together to create new jewelry of new and stunning designs.
This necklace is approx. 19 inches in length and the center pendant is 1-2 inches long.
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