Trends: Authentic African Spirituality Accessories
Thursday, January 6th, 2011
Papa Legba Maraca Pendant by Shelloya
As the world enters harder times economically, there’s been a slow and quiet revolution moving people away from both mainstream and New Age faiths. People are finding more peace and solace in esotericism, gnosticism, and ancestral belief systems, and showing it through what they wear.
In the past few years, more people, both Indian and not, have been sporting salwar, saree, Yoga pants, and bindi. It has become pretty normal to see a Europen woman wearing Indian clothing. Then there was the upsurge in African and old European braided hairstyles. Now, more and more people are sporting African clothing and accessories. It has gone beyond dashiki and derived dresses, and gotten into Adinkra symbol t-shirts and Orisha necklaces.
As yet, few of the big name designers seem that interested in delving beyond the odd Yemaya goddess pendant or Damballa like snake bracelet. So this time around, to get the good stuff, you have to know someone, make your own, or shop around artist stores and sites.
Both Etsy and Ebay are good places to start your search. First however, you may want to read up on Vodun, Muthi, and other African belief systems to see which is more in line with your personal beliefs. It’s always a good idea to know the symbolism behind the things you buy. I’ve seen guys walking around in necklaces that mean, “I’m a pretty unmarried virgin girl.”