Dire- Hamer Tribe
DIRE - Hand Beaded Hamer Vintage Jewelry- The Diara Choker
DIRE - Hand Beaded Hamer Vintage Jewelry- The Diara Choker
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DIRE - Hand Beaded Hamer Vintage Jewelry - The Diara Necklace
Introducing our newest addition of collaborative work with indigenous artisans, hand beaded jewelry made from glass beads and recycled plastic bags. Meet Dire, the Hamer Tribe artisan we worked with in South Omo, Turmi, Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region, Ethiopia. (Pictured in third photo)
In the winter of 2019 we went on a journey to Ethiopia where we spent time with the tribes in South Omo, on the border of Kenya and South Sudan. There, we came across some extraordinary cultures and beautiful people. We were met with an inspiring way of life, simple and authentic.
Dire is an indigenous woman of the Hamer tribe whom we met during this adventure. She is a mother, an integral part of her community, and an artist of the tribal jewelry they wear. She makes her own designs to sell at the market to trade with other people but we started a partnership with her in collaborating in new and different designs.
This piece in particular is a vintage piece that she acquired from her village, it is thought to be 40+ years old and has been worn by many but still in excellent condition which says a lot about the craftsmanship.
The design is a charming beaded geometric band with beaded fringe on a durable natural rope. All the beads are made from glass and not plastic, the beads are sourced in Africa and not abroad. The bracelet ties to fasten.
Dire lives the simple life, she has her family, access to potable water, freedom from the problems of the outside world and has little to no need for material wealth. However, with our collaborative work she gains a sense of pride for her artistry, she is able to buy more cattle for her family and retain some financial independence for their future.
Fall in love with the Hamer tribe culture and the electric colors used to make these special pieces. All these pieces are spectacular works of art. They can get wet but should be handled with care to keep its longevity.
They are well made with quality materials.
Take yourself slightly into their world by wearing their artistic creation and gain appreciation and knowledge of who they are.
They’re also responsible for collecting water, doing the cooking and looking after the children-who start helping the family by herding the goats from around the age of 8.
The young men of the village work the crops, defend the herds or go off raiding for livestock from other tribes, while adult men herd the cattle, plough with oxen and raise beehives in acacia trees.
The women run the household and submit to the ritual floggings proudly and love to show the deep scars that are regarded as a proof of devotion to their husbands. The Hamer live off the land and have 0 to little material wealth. Cattle and goats are at the heart of the Hamer life. Often families will pool their livestock and labor to herd their cattle together. In the dry season, whole families go to live in grazing camps with their herds, where they survive on milk and meat from the cattle. They provide the cornerstone of a household's livelihood; it's only with cattle and goats to pay as 'bride wealth' that a man can marry after bull jumping of course.
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