The Soul of Somanya

My beads from Africa have come!

Look at them! Aren't they awesome?

These black and white beads are called Krobo beads. They are made from recycled glass ground up in large mortar and pestle by hand, then fired using traditional techniques, that is, home made clay molds, home made clay ovens fired with wood, and then hand painted and again fired after each color is applied.

No, I did not do all that stuff. These beads are created in Africa.

The Soul of Somanya is a small organization entirely staffed by volunteers. They are located in Somanya- Krobo in Ghana's Eastern Region, where they are working to develop sustainable employment opportunities in the field of bead work for working -age orphans and other young people whose job prospects are very limited.

These decorative ear wires either sterling silver or copper, are designed by these young orphan artisans. They incorporated traditional Ghanian Adinkra symbols into the head pins. Each symbol has a special message or meaning.

One means Safety Security and Love, another- Friendship and Interdependence. I have elaborated them in my etsy store with the respective earring.

After I bought these, Melody, one of the organizers wrote to me- "...your first order allowed us to pay eight artisans a living wage for a whole day of work".

I wished I could do more. That will only depend if I can sell them. By the way shipping is free if you order between November 25- December 2, 2009.



After I got them in the mail I was so emotional. How beautiful these wire designs are..
. simple, yet so complex!

I integrated ox red ruby quartz in some, wood spacer beads in another and added autumn- copper, dark Czech glass beads to another set. Each one is unique.

The whole afternoon spilled into the evening hours and then into night until my dear husband asked if I thought about cooking dinner tonight or should he get some take outs.

I felt embarrassed.

Well, Happy ThanksGiving !