Direct Trade African Art 543 Danforth Ave. Toronto

The Tuareg Tribe

The Tuaregs, often referred to as the Blue people of the dessert, are traditional nomadic tribe that reside in Northern and Western Africa. Known for their daring artwork, Tuareg African jewelry is exquisitely stunning.

This craft is passed down from generation to generation; each piece is individually hand-made, thus authentic. Their designs chronicle Tuareg travels, astronomy, family, love, regional identities, animals and religion. Nharo works with Tuareg Silversmiths in Niger and Mali, West Africa.

The Himba Tribe

Himba costumes have recently adapted to include intriguing braceletshandcrafted from recycled water pipes.

They also wear heavy adornments created with copper, brass, beads, cowrie, shells, and leather.

Nharo travels to Namibia and buys the cultural artifacts of the Himba directly from the artisans.

The San Tribe

Today, san women use their skills as beadwork artists to provide income for their families.

Ostrich eggshell beadwork is mixed with other local materials like tamboti wood, seeds and porcupine quills.

All eggshells used to make jewellery are hatched and collected in form farms in southern Africa so as not to affect the natural population of ostriches.