Jewellery: African Antique and Vintage Trade Beads 

DANNIJO [Africa Inspired]

I stumbled upon the blog Out and About Africa where I came across some colourful creations from trendy New York-based jewellery and accessories label; DANNIJO. Working with an eclectic mix of materials, beads, and inspiration sourced from around the world; DANNIJO was founded by sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder in 2008; and sees their handmade designs mixing Danielle’s bohemian, rocker vibe with Jodie’s preference for timeless sophistication. The initial inspiration for DANNIJO came about through a visit to Kenya by Danielle, who upon graduating college sought ways to affect positive change within the communities she encountered and co-founded a project called L.W.A.L.A – ‘Live With A Lifelong Ambition’; a youth-based initiative that fundraises for grass-roots projects in Africa utilising the skills and passions of members. United by their passion for jewellery Danielle and her sister Jodie joined forces and designed a capsule collection to help fund the initiative and its initial success persuaded them to launch DANNIJO. ‘Lwala’ is also the name of the Kenyan village Danielle spent time visiting and money raised from the project has gone towards financing a community health facility in Lwala village.

[Image credits: top, Maisie; and bottom, Mara Necklaces – DANNIJO]

Tapping into African influences; from the ‘Bohemian’ and ‘Vintage’ ranges come some eye-catching necklaces, that include a mix of African antique beads and vintage trade beads and sees some striking pieces like the ‘Gavina’; a DANNIJO signature style bib necklace, constructed using rows of carved bone beads and strands of antique African coins wrapped in suede; the intertwining strands of ‘Zula Trade Beads’ that uses vintage trade beads dating back to the 1800s; beads that can also be seen in the colourful single strand ‘Mara’ necklace which makes a statement when several are worn together. 

[Image credit: top, Zula Trade Beads; and bottom, Gavina Necklaces – DANNIJO]

Introduced to Africa, predominately West Africa, round about the 15th Century; African Trade beads have had a checkered history; linked to both royalty and the slave trade, and are said to have played an important role in forming Africa and Europe’s early trade networks. As the name suggests the original trade, or ‘aggry’ beads, as they are also known by, were made in European factories and brought to Africa by early European traders. Trade beads were particularly sought after and valued in West Africa where they were used to create high-status decorative objects. Today trade beads are very popular amongst vintage bead collectors and are used to make some unique colourful jewellery creations laden with history. Such is their popularity you will also find local artisans working on creating modern versions of the beads, painted with the old-style patterns. 

Additional details:
Necklaces priced at: USD$170-USD$670
For further information about DANNIJO and to purchase visit: www.dannijo.com
To find out more about the history of Trade Beads visit: www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/trade-beads