Tsumkwe DR Curios

Namibia

Year(s) attended: 2009

Tsumkwe DR Curios

Bridge for Africa/Tsumkwe DR Curios

Ostrich Egg (Farm-raised) Jewelry

Ostrich eggs have been an important source of subsistence for the San people since pre-historic times. The eggs now used are harvested from a sustainable farm so as not to impact the wild ostrich populations in southern Africa. Beads are carved from bits of eggshell, using either a horn or metal hand tool, and then are tightly strung and rubbed against a rough surface such as stone until they are rounded. They may also be baked or dyed with natural dyes to create colors. These beads are often combined with porcupine quills, wood and seeds to become the subtly beautiful necklaces and bracelets worn by the San people for countless generations.