Reimagining Wealth through Intentional, African Adornment

In a world of excessive materialism, overconsumption, and ever changing trends, many of us are becoming more conscious of what truly holds value. We are becoming more critical of the marketing we are constantly inundated with, and we are more conscious of understanding whose messages we are listening to. This entry challenges the dominance of European ideals of luxury, creating space to explore and embrace the spiritual and cultural dimensions of wealth in Africa where adornment has always meant more than just material possession.

Generally, society has always had an obsession with money, status and looking rich. In recent times, we can look at the rise of the old money aesthetic as a case study for this. I won’t get into the details of it, but elements of this trend seem to point out certain ideas we may have about wealth. 

To an extent, our understandings of success and riches tend to lie hand in hand with Eurocentric standards that have been ingrained in us. For example, how many of us pedestalize European designer brands, viewing them as symbols and markers of wealth? We see it in music and media - these brands are idolised and plastered to us to be seen as something to aspire towards having. But how does this affect our connection to our identities, and our own understanding of luxury as non-europeans if Louis is always the poster child?

Referring to fashion and adornment as our guide, how can we explore opulence outside of European standards? And what is wealth outside of consumerism?

I can acknowledge that the idea of a successful and luxurious life is a relatively subjective one.  However, I’ve grown to realise that an important aspect of wealth lies in accepting who you are, and falling in love with your roots. 

I’ve uncovered that there’s a lot more to wealth than material possession. There is a soul and a spirit behind it and various cultures across the African continent understand this. Through the use of colours, symbols, patterns and natural materials, we have adopted a culture of crafting tangible articles that act as conduits to represent complex beliefs and ideas. Adornment is not just about signalling how much we have, or to beautify ourselves, but it’s also an act of upholding, honouring, remembering and evoking a connection to Spirit, the world and the people around us.

The Mask 

During a visit to Autograph Gallery, I watched the film ‘Rage and Desire’ which is a tribute to the photographer Rotimi Fane-Kayode. It takes you on a journey through Fani-Kayode’s intricate and layered world and perception on desire, blackness, ecstasy, Yoruba artistic practices, and how these have influenced his photography. 

It was a moving and thought provoking watch, but what stood out to me were his sentiments and reverence to the imagination and how it is a tool for exploring spiritual dimensions. He makes reference to the mask:

Masks are deeply rooted in traditions, ceremonies and rituals across the continent. Different styles, colours, aesthetics and expressions communicate different aspects of life and the human experience.

Traditional masks highlight the spirit and essence within tangible articles, and when worn, they serve as a reminder that the human body is a vessel. During masquerades, when the mask is worn it bridges the physical and spiritual worlds,  allowing the spirit it represents to take over the body. Through music and dance, messages are communicated to the community and social bonds and cultural identity are reinforced.

Whilst masks are used for traditional and ritualistic ceremonies, the detailed process behind their crafting, and the initiation process of the wearer, highlights something significant about African Adornment that we can apply and incorporate into our everyday lives - Intention. 

Masks at Amba Gallery, Ghana

Beads & Beadwork

Beads and beadwork are another example of intentional adornment. They are a part of a visual language that has been integral to various cultures across Africa. They embody rich histories and traditions, showcasing more than just visual appeal, but also communicating different beliefs, feelings, social dynamics and even trade relations. 

Beads are made from various materials including glass, bone, clay, shells, seeds, and even precious stones and crystals, which are believed to possess healing and protective powers.  They also make use of colour psychology and the metaphysics of colour to signify and allow the wearer to embody specific virtues or spiritual meanings. Blue, for example, is the colour of calmness and peace. Associated with the throat chakra, the intentional wearing of blue can aid in communication. It also represents the element of water which allows us to reflect and unpack what lies deep within the subconscious. 

Although beads are worn on different parts of the body, waistbeads are one of many examples that can be used to highlight how beads are used for intentional adornment. Waistbeads are associated with femininity and beauty. The beads, colours, and how they are arranged, communicate different messages that can suggest spiritual affiliation, age and marital status. They are also deeply intertwined with the earth, the moon and their cycles and phases as waistbeads can be used to track fertility and menstrual cycles, which are deeply connected to the cycles of life.

Waistbeads at Aburi Crafts Village, Ghana

Beads at Aburi Crafts Village, Ghana

Beads at Old Stables Market, Harare, Zimbabwe

Intentional Adornment 

Through the previous examples - and there is so much more ground to cover and explore - one thing that rings true is that African adornment is rich in craftsmanship, intention and creativity. This is where the wealth lies. It’s the heart and experience that goes into making the piece and how they connect us to something greater than our individual selves. Whether that be nature and the earth’s cycles, the communities we’re a part of and even the realm of Spirit.

Consumerism and the thirst for designer clothing is rooted in individualism and even exploitation. Being more intentional about our adornment choices means being mindful of our consumption. And when we do make purchases, we can be more conscious of who we are supporting and whose ideologies we are choosing to uplift. Through wearing jewellery and clothing that incorporate our traditions and symbolisms, we remind ourselves of the virtues to carry with and within us throughout our daily lives. Above all, we become vessels for the richness of our culture and who we are beneath the surface. 

Adinkra earrings, Ese ne Tekrema symbol - progress, teamwork and interdependence

Until the next wave,

-Miss A 🤍