Eshun Designs Co.

Happy Summer!..two days and counting to officially reveling in sun and fun…this summer I am happy to introduce our Alaafia Collection…a rustic…earthy…..hammered…. substantial copper collection of rings, bracelets, and arm bands…

A little shift from our delicate wire and gemstones designs, this collection adds a little heft toyour  accessories wardrobe…we hope you like them and much as we love making them… hotep ~k

Happy May..I know last day of the month..blessings! In this monthly Adorn we are again headed to West Afrika and again featuring a people who inspire me personally and as an artist.

It is hard to miss the distinct beauty and design of Fulani people..warm golden brass with strong curves and swirls that are delicious to look at and even more delicious to wear!

The Fula people are  also a nomadic people like the Tuareg featured in last months Adorn post. While I am still on the  move they are one of the peoples who I find strength and courage in continuing to do my love, work and passion.  They have great influence in regional politics, economics, and histories throughout western Afrika for over thousands years.

They are a people of amazing art and culture Fulani people are known for their mastery of verbal art expressed in song and poetry. They are also renowned for their elaborate art of body adornment.

Men and women alike are fond of tattooing. They wear amulets (lohol) as both protective and decorative elements. Women wear heavy twisted gold earrings (dibi), gold necklaces (caaka),  (featured above) and copper or white metal bracelets, round or open with bulging extremities, and delicately engraved with dotted lines.

Blacksmiths used to make heavy and thick anklets that gave young Wodaabe women a “cowlike” step, much appreciated in this herders’ culture. Women from other Fulani groups wore copper or brass leg ornaments or anklets made by the lost-wax casting process. These rings might once have served as currency.

Fulani women, who are in charge of building the family tents or temporary shelters, weave wall and floor mats. Besides nomadic architecture, they specialize in the decoration of calabashes and wooden bowls (la’al kosam). Calabashes are pyro-engraved with a combination of abstract and figural motifs and colored with pigments. In the cow-centered Fulani culture, milk bowls are also important objects for the household. They are used as storage containers for fresh, curdled milk and grains. An artifact, symbol of the pastoral life and of the cooperation between men who keep the herd and women who milk the cows, the la’al kosam encapsulates Fulani identity. Because of their delicate chiseling, smoke-derived patina, and exquisite decorative treatment, bowls and calabashes could be considered as the true focus of aesthetic efforts of the Fulani people.

I absolutely adore the art and creativity of this culture and I appreciate the ingenuity and inspiration one of those who come before..iba se!