African Mask Earrings

African Mask Earrings

Handmade Fair Trade Earrings from Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya

These stunning African Mask Earrings are a true celebration of resourcefulness, tradition, and artisan skill. Handmade in Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya, each pair combines sustainably sourced cow bone with recycled brass to create a striking, one-of-a-kind design that carries deep cultural and environmental significance.

Forged from resilience, crafted with purpose – wear the story of grit, talent, and transformation.

Product Features

• 🌍 Fair Trade: Ethically made, supporting sustainable livelihoods

• ♻️ Sustainable Materials: Crafted from cow bone (a by-product of the meat industry) and recycled brass

• 🤲 Handmade in Kibera: Each piece is shaped, dyed, and assembled by hand

• 🎨 Design: Unique bone bead with hand-drawn wax-resist patterns

• 📏 Dimensions: Approx. 5cm drop

• 🎁 Perfect For: Ethical fashion lovers, statement jewellery wearers, meaningful gifts

The Story Behind the Piece

These earrings begin their journey at local abattoirs, where cow bone—otherwise discarded—is carefully collected and transformed into beautiful beads. The process is long and highly skilled. First, the bone is boiled with natural cleaning agents to remove all fats and impurities. Once fully dried, it is hand-sanded to a smooth finish.

Skilled artisans then paint intricate wax patterns onto the bone, creating a resist. The bead is dyed to tint the unwaxed areas, and finally the wax is melted away, revealing a striking contrast design. Even the bone dust from sanding is repurposed into resin beads, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

After polishing and carefully drilling holes using locally made tools, the bead is ready to be paired with recycled brass to create a truly unique earring. Each artisan specialises in certain patterns and techniques—this is a craft that takes years to perfect.

Care Instructions

To maintain the beauty of your earrings, avoid water and perfume, and store in a dry place. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth.