Emancipation Earring, Wild Tamarind Seed Caribbean Handicraft

About the Item

This belt is aptly named and dedicated to Antiguan and Barbudan freedom and emancipation gained on November 1st, 1981. This piece presented is only a snapshot of the broad range of custom-made products produced by the hands of master artisan Antiguan and Barbudan women who specialize in seedwork—created out of the wild tamarind and jumbie bead Seeds. Only 5 master artisans are left and are training the next generation of Antiguan and Barbudan craftspersons. They will continue the legacy of creating these beautiful complex patterns of wild tamarind and jumbie bead seeds sewn together to make spider web patterns for jewelry, fashion items, and household decor. Since slavery, wild tamarind and jumbie bead seeds have been gathered and sewn by hand into intricate necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts, and household items such as coasters and placemats. These pieces held a talismanic value, as enslaved women spent hours making the pieces and saying prayers over the work to garner strength, protection from the Gods, and resilience to get them through difficult times. The entirely organic work has miraculously survived for centuries and has a power and beauty that speaks for itself. This item is from our Sui Generis line. Sui Generis is a Latin-derived phrase meaning one of a kind, which summarizes the pieces of this collection. Every Sui Generis piece is unique and has a stock of one. If you purchase anything from this collection, you will be the only one to have it, as these items are rare patterns and do not restock. You may use ideas from any of these designs in the creation of a custom item (email to inquire), as with all our wares. Still, these specific pieces you must buy while you can before they’re gone forever.

Creator:

Louise Edwards

Dimensions:

Width: 2 in (50.8 mm)Length: 2 in (50.8 mm)

Style:

Artisan

Place of Origin:

Antigua and Barbuda

Period:

21st Century

Date of Manufacture:

2019