Fulani Earings

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Fulani Earings

Posted by Ishvara Dhyan on December 26, 2013 at 9:28pm

The Fulani of West Africa are nomadic herders and spread across many countries . In Mali, they wear huge gold earrings called Kwottenai. They are made of beaten gold and wrapped with red yarn and worn through both pierced earlobes. Sometimes they are engraved with designs. Over time gold is added to the earrings increasing their size and value; the increase signifies the persons accumulated wealth. Each earring can weigh more than half of a pound and additional support, usually in the form of a clip or a strap, used to alleviate strain and possible tearing of the earlobe.A woman usually acquires her Kwottenai at her marriage as a gift from her husband or when her mother dies.

Comments

Patricia Deany December 26, 2013 at 11:34pm

Very interesting information , I have never seen these earrings in this size before. The fulani also make splendid beads which are impossible to find.Here is a pic of one I was lucky enough to acquire and I know Preethi recently acquired one.
Eva Baby December 27, 2013 at 6:58am

I would like to add something. Unfortunately it is not that most Fulani women walk around like that. In fact, I wish it were so, but one very rarely sees women wearing this in Mali. In fact, with all my visits over the years (7 or 9), and some Peul in my husbands Family (by mariage) I have not managed to see a Fulani woman wearing these, perhaps small ones. I wish they would! The Tattoos at the lower lip however, is still frequent. Perhaps they wear it at festivities like mariages, I will ask my Peul friends when they are back from Mali, hope I will not Forget However, I have seen the pendant added by Patti below, i think even my Sonrai-mother-in-law wears one like this (at weddings). I could not find the photo of my mother-in-law wearing this pendant, but I found one of her sister wearing it at a wedding (she is Sonrai), just for Information - not everyone wearing this jewellery is a Peul (Fulani).
Ishvara Dhyan December 27, 2013 at 7:35am

in South Africa we have many traders from Senegal that bring Fulani jewellery and Tuareg pieces to trade ..certainly alot more affordable than prices i ve seen on eBay
Eva Baby December 27, 2013 at 9:47am

Ishvara - interesting to know. I had no idea that Senegal Traders go to South Africa! Always good to learn ! I cannot talk for the Senegal, only for Mali. But it is interesting to know which routes they take and that These are cheaper than on Ebay.. lucky you!

Gallery

Fulani Earings

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