Amani Necklaces began in Kenya and moved across the globe to Mexico. Each necklace is not just something to wear but a piece of history and art. These are originals, each with a story, made from unique beads and other materials from Africa.

In Africa, beads indicate power, social position and religious devotion. They represent the history of the people and their way of life. Many African beads arrived on this continent from Europe and Asia in the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th centuries as slaves, gold and ivory were traded. But the first African bead ever found dates back to 10,000 B.C. and was made from the shell of an ostrich egg.

At Amani Necklaces, beads have been collected from throughout Africa from Kenya and Ethiopia in the east to Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria in the west. Other beads originated in India and made their way to Africa along the spice route from Southeast Asia through Yemen.

No matter its origin, your original piece from Amani Necklaces will take you on a journey through time and place.

November 28, 2008

Exhibition in Mexico City 

Click here to see some of the necklaces available for the exhibition