Frankincense is a resin that many of us is familiar with. Especially around the holidays and the Winter Solstice. I would like to begin by first explaining the origins of this sacred gift from Mother Nature. This resin is native to Somalia. In this part of Africa it is known as the Mohor tree. It has a distinct trunk and grows in stony soil. So it is common to see Frankincense growing near boulder bluffs. The inner resin secretes and that is how Frankincense is created.
In African tradition medicine Frankincense was used for treatments of skin diseases, inflammation and wound healing. It is used in religious ceremonies for spirit invocation and worn or burnt in the home to raise the vibration. The resin is generally eaten in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region as a tonic for the skin. But only the puriest form is considered edible.
Frankincense is also one of the gifts that the Three Wise Men gave to Jesus. This resin is considered holy among religions throughout the world. I just wanted to share some of the amazing benefits of this much loved resin. As an African Jewelry Artist I like to incorporate elements of high vibration into my work. Sometimes it is a challenge but always fun. In the pic above I created the chocker from Frankincense resin.
The African headwrap has become an exotic symbol and fashion statement probably at it's conception. Each headwrap gives the wearer a chance to express Africa and African fashion in their own unique way. However there is much more to the headwrap then the beautiful colors and fascinating style. There is a rich cultural history.
The headwrap originated in sub sahara Africa. It represents spirituality, prosperity and humility. Even men in Africa wear headwraps to symbolize wealth and social status. Headwrapping is literally a way that Africans for centuries have been able to non verbally communicate their place in life. Head wraps also serve as a practical function protecting the head from the rays of the sun. In West Africa headwraps are called Gele in Yoruba, Ichafu in Ibo and turbans in the Middle East. I hope that I have inspired you to go look up some of the other symbols and meanings of this exotic fashion statement.
I have always been an accessories lover. Some of my high school classmates can share with you how I always loved to have on jewelry and paired them with my outfits each and everyday. As I have moved through many experiences in my life one thing that I definately know about my personal style is that simple outfits work great for me. I pop on a bright colored shirt, jeans or shoes and layer the jewelry. It is so much fun to create from a blank canvas each day. A canvas that is totally my own and it is very liberating. I am sharing this because almost everyone loves African jewelry and clothes but there are still a tiny group who are attracted to it but cannot figure out how to wear it and feel comfortable. If you start creating the look with a simple outfit I am sure that you will come up with some outfits that you like. Remember it's about how you feel, how you want to project your personal style and being at peace with yourself from the inside out.
Jessie Broome modeling Fish Vertabrea & Coral Necklace
Sheinata Carn-Hall Owner/African Art Jewelry & Clothes Designer @reflectionsafricanjewelryllc
Hi everyone I hope that you are all doing well. It has been awhile since I dropped a blog post. I guess you can say I finally slowed down enuff to smell the roses. The first thing that I want to share is that after 16 years of operating my business at The Charleston City Market I have closed my doors at that location. You can still purchase my work here online at the website and visit my events calendar to see where my pop up shops will be located locally. If you have been one of my long time customers from out of town if visiting Charleston I will be happy to set up a pick up point to hand deliver my African Art to you. My children are growing and I want to be there to experience it. Not to mention spending more time with my husband and mom. Life is such an adventure and we must take time to fully experience it. The Charleston City Market was a great learning environment and all of my wonderful customers everyday made it so much fun. For that I am grateful. Now I am embarking on another journey of evolution and we will see where I end up. I will continue to make new pieces and sell them at www.reflectionsafricanjewelryllc.com. An events category will be added to the site soon so you will be able to see where I am located whenever I do a pop up shop. There are a few other ideas that I have been playing around with in my head. When the time is right I will speak about them. By now I am sure you know that I have added another talent. Sewing. I will be coming out with a few new pieces for Fall/Winter 2016. They will probably be up for sale around Thanksgiving. Pillows and handbags will be added to my collection Spring/Summer 2017 which will be available by March 2017. It's going to be exciting to see what I come up with. Sometimes I surprise myself. Creativity is so liberating! See you soon.
