Mindful Adornment - The Metals

Here at Lovers Sow, we approach getting dressed as a holistic self-care practice. We believe every piece of jewelry should be chosen with intention as part of one's daily dressing ritual — each piece has its own history, story, and gift to offer the wearer. 

The Metals

Gold - Historically, gold has always been the most highly valued metal, and it remains so in contemporary cultures because of its durability — it never tarnishes. West African empires like Ghana and Mali built much of their wealth on gold, the most valuable trading currency of the era. As a whole, the West African region led the trans-Saharan gold trade from the 8th to 16th centuries. In Kemet (Ancient Egypt), gold symbolized the power of the sun god Ra. Gold jewelry and accessories were something far beyond mere adornment — they were considered the actual material of divinity.

Silver - Many believe that silver, due to its antimicrobial properties, can bring healing benefits to its wearer, such as detoxification, enhanced immunity, and chakra alignment. In Kemet, silver happened to be more expensive and revered more highly than gold. Because it wasn't native to the land, it was considered a rarity, as it had to be imported from distant places. Furthermore, in West African Fulani culture, silver symbolized protection, purity, and family wealth or status.

Brass - African artisans historically utilized brass to create artwork, jewelry, and ceremonial objects, and it remains a commonly used material today. In many West and Central African societies, brass has traditionally represented status, wealth, and spiritual power. In cultures like the Ashanti of Ghana and the Kingdom of Benin, brass objects and jewelry held deep cultural and spiritual significance, often being reserved for royalty and religious leaders jewelry. 

Copper - The human body needs copper, as it is one of its essential trace minerals. Copper jewelry is often worn to treat arthritis, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. In Kemet, the mineral was used for tools and medical sterilization, and it even served as an ingredient in the popular green eye shadow worn in ancient Egypt. Coined "red gold" in West Africa, copper was popularly worn as jewelry by the Igbo people as early as the ninth century. Copper alloy was also used as a medium in the Benin Bronzes (sculptures). West Africans also used copper to create the manilla, the West African "horseshoe" currency. Europeans later adopted the manilla, using it as the most popular currency of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in West Africa.