A number of cultures have influenced jewelry boxes for women. The men and women of the African culture for example have a long history of wearing jewelry. Back then and now, there are a number of materials that are utilized in making African jewelry.

Brass was often used by the people of Western Africa. The Akan people preferred a lot of gold. A lot of copper was also used by the people of Africa. There are a number of unique jewelry pieces that have been created.

One such specimen would be the ankle bracelets of the Senufo tribe. Designed to look like boats, these were worn by men, women and children irrespective of age. But since the men were primarily farmers, it was often difficult for them to wear this jewelry.

Little bells were popular on women’s bracelets and were often found on the people of the Dan and We Tribes. Decorative bells such as these were especially used when people wanted to dance. Specially styled earrings were quite the thing with the married women of Fulani. Crescent shapes were beaten out of gold sticks to make these.

African jewelry for its women is quite extravagant these days more so with the Ashanti tribe. In fact, feasts are held to showcase jewelry. Women put on a lot of jewelry and perform ritualistic dances when the king dies.

Christianity made an entry into Ethiopia in the 4th century. One form of jewelry that came about were ornate crosses that were put on a blue cotton cord and called mateb. These crosses were made of silver or nickel based alloys.

Africa is a massive resource of natural materials and jewelers made complete use of them. Coconut fragments were used to make coconut disc necklaces and these were popular in Nigeria and Guinea. It’s not that easy today to find an entire necklace made of coconut.

Bone-based jewelry was quite popular among the women of Kenya. Animal bone, gold and silver were mixed together to create chokers and necklaces. These were then further done up with precious stones.

Wooden boxes for men are quite popular in Africa. Bubinga was a common African wood used in the making of these boxes. Its scientific name is Guibourtia arnoldiana. This is found primarily in West African countries such as Gabon and Angola. They are preferred for their stability and their beauty. They are resistant to wood-eating insects and that’s why they are the perfect case for jewelry.

Wooden boxes made of other woods have their side panels made of Bubinga sometimes. African mahogany is also utilized to make valets for men. Wenge accents are used to highlight these boxes and they also come with pull out drawers for all sorts of men’s accessories.

There is a unique beauty to African tribal jewelry. You could always use your partner’s jewelry box to hold your ornaments.

This article was written by Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!