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Handmade Ostrich and Onyoka Mussel shell beads
from the Skeleton Coast of Namibia.
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Onyoka necklaces are traditionally made and used by the Owambo people and are given as gifts at significant life events, such as the birth of a child.
Their women gather mussel shells that are washed up on the beach. The shells are processed through several stages – the end product being a beautiful, delicate, hand-crafted bead which is similar to
Ostrich shell but with a slight sheen and some natural colour variations.
Our supplier buys the beads directly from these women who work in their yards in Mondesa township.
Most of these women
have no other work, so we are helping them create access to other markets.
Ideal for use in home decoration or jewellery making.
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