Elephant hair bracelet

Elephants are beautiful animals that are viewed differently depending on the culture. In African culture alone, elephants are ascribed many different meanings. Regardless, they are revered and respected for their bravery and prowess. The image of elephants has long been used in ancient images created in caves. Of course, African art itself also boasts the use of elephant likenesses, which most often take the form of sculpture, films, music, and paintings. There is no denying that they are an integral part of modern works of art.

In African culture, elephants are a symbol of beauty, power and strength. In addition, they are admired for their endurance, size, longevity and loyalty. This is the reason why South Africans use elephant tusks as room decorations and even occupy a place of honor in coats of arms while representing the most important qualities of elephants namely wisdom, strength and eternity.

Africans are famous for making beautiful jewelry from all kinds of raw materials. Very often they use elephant hair for their jewelry products. This is because the animals have countless hairs on various parts of their bodies, and obtaining them is not a big problem. Nevertheless, their largest amount is gathered around the ears, on the belly, chin, around the eyes and on the tail. It can be said that bracelets made of salt bristles are a trademark of Africa - after all, this is where they originated.

One reason they are so popular is the simplicity of making them. In addition, Africans believe that a bracelet made of elephant hair brings good luck, and any person wearing the bracelet will be blessed, healthy, and live in prosperity and love. An African legend associated with elephant hair jewelry dates back 1,500 years and states that people wearing this type of jewelry will be protected from misfortune and disease. As an interesting fact, it is worth mentioning that the people of Africa believe that the elephant is the link between heaven and earth therefore elephant hair has great significance in their culture.

Original African bracelets have a very nice form, but it is not just about their appearance. They are steeped in tradition and legendary significance. The bracelets usually have two, four or six knots. Depending on their number, they represent quite different elements. Two knots stand for earth, which represents fertility, ancestors and nature relating to the soul and strength. A bracelet with two knots helps balance nature and earth. The bracelet created with four knots refers to fire, sun, water and wind - the four ruling elements. In addition, the strands of elephant hair that run through the knots are symbolic of the four seasons. The third version of the bracelet, the six-knot bracelet, represents all of the previously mentioned things at once. This type of jewelry, despite its symbolism, is not so popular in Africa - despite its charm, it is very difficult to make.

Of great importance is the hand on which the bracelet is worn - it helps determine the origin of the jewelry. People wearing the bracelet on the right hand are the people who killed the elephant themselves and made the bracelet from its bristles. On the other hand, it is worn on the left hand by people who received the bracelet as a gift.

Making an elephant hair bracelet itself is not the easiest thing to do. This is due to the specific structure of the bristle, which is very thick. A single strand can measure a maximum of 55 cm. Often you can have to deal with hair, one end of which is thicker than the others by which you have to cut the bristle into several parts. It is very important to have a uniform thickness of all the hair from which the bracelet is to be made. Only after proper selection can they be used for braiding.

Another obstacle can be the age of the elephant - it also affects the thickness of the bristles. Usually older elephants have thicker hair them their younger generation. Hair colors are interesting - they usually range from brown to black, but white hair can also be found. However, such a color variation is rare, which is what makes them so unusual and unique.

Proper preparation of the bristles and careful craftsmanship of the bracelet are very important. Unfortunately, we as buyers have no control over this. The only thing we have control over is the proper care of the jewelry we purchase. The most important thing is its washing, which should be done only by hand using as little force as possible. Too much pressure can cause the loops to move, which can damage the structure of the bristles. For washing, it is best to use ordinary hair shampoo or a special shampoo for dogs - the choice depends on our own preferences. Nevertheless, you can not wash the bracelet in the washing machine - in this way we expose it to permanent damage, which will be impossible to repair. Proper care will allow the color of the bristles to remain longer.

Nowadays you can find interesting ideas for bracelets, where salt bristles are combined with other raw materials. This gives them a lot of charm. Such bracelets can be combined with beads, stones and even leather elements. The combination of elegance and simplicity can create an interesting accessory, while the combination of different colored beads will reflect the crazy personality of its owner. Of course, such bracelets are not created just for women - they are suitable for men as well.

There is not the slightest doubt that the bracelet is not only beautiful, but also has many meanings. Nevertheless, it is worth considering one important matter - whether the jewelry purchased was made without interfering with the life of the elephant. In African culture, bracelets are said to be made from strands of hair that are shed when the tail is rubbed against trees. Unfortunately, it is possible to encounter illegally sourced materials (leather, ivory, as well as hair). Illegal hunting is done purely out of a desire to cash in on the uniqueness of the jewelry that profits from the elephants' body parts being used.

In Africa, elephants should feel safe. Unfortunately, the constant reduction of their population does not allow them to lead a peaceful life. Poachers very often explain that the elephant population is increasing all the time. The truth is that more and more innocent animals are being killed every day. Despite many precautions and despite attempts to eliminate illegally obtained hair, it is impossible to verify the origin of every single hair used in jewelry. Therefore, it is worth considering whether the place from which you want to purchase jewelry is properly chosen. Alternatively, whether such a bracelet is really necessary for us to live.