SilverCrow Creations - Countries & Cultures - African Samplings
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Large Hand Made Vintage Striped Glass African Trade Bead
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More Beads
Not only are these beads beautiful, they have a surprising texture to them that is ever so special. You can almost feel the stripes. Hand made from glass, these vintage beads are elegantly striped in oranges, reds, yellows and in shades of black and grey and white.
Every single bead is different from the next one as you can see from those illustrated. But, they are all about the same size - 3/4 inch long by about 1/4 inch in diameter. Some of the beads are slightly wider in the middle. The stringing hole is wider than average to accommodated larger cords and chains.
Several beads shown for illustration only.
Made in Ghana
28August2010
Vintage Item, Limited Availability
Price: $3.00 Each
Qty:
Vitreous Enamel Bob Marley Pendant Featuring the Colors of Africa
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More Africa
Also Available in Black & White Only
We've always been taken by black and white images and this familiar Bob Marley photographic portrait is one of those special photographic portraits that actually captures the essence of the man. The joy, spirit and relentless energy of Bob Marley lives on through his music. Celebrate that with this fine pendant. Bob Marley's portrait is enhanced by the background featuring the colors of Africa.
This striking pendant measures 7/8 inch wide by 1-1/4 inch long. Made of vitreous enamel, each pendant is assembled by hand, so please allow for some variability.
Equally beautiful as jewelry or as an art element in a shrine or assemblage, this unique piece is conservatively priced for such elegant craftsmanship.
Made in Thailand
17July2010
Price: $4.95 each
Exploring ancient Egypt Fun Kit
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More Kits
What fun you'll have learning more about Ancient Egypt and its contributions to the entire world especially in the areas of art, literature (the first library was in Egypt) and science.
This cool collection includes:
45 stickers, tattoos, and stencils (in 3 books) King Tut sticker paper doll collection 2 complete coloring books 4 stained glass coloring sheets Egyptian poster 3 full-color Egyptian masks Crayons
Adults and children alike will enjoy this special collection.
If purchased separately, the collection would cost $22.00!
Printed in USA
27May2010
Price: $16.95 each
Strand of Large African Christmas Trade Beads
Smaller African Christmas Trade Beads
Large Earth Tone African Trade Beads
These delightful, hand-made beads are known as African Christmas Beads as they are used for personal and home adornment. They are temporarily strung on several strands of thread or dental floss and are in loops from 35 to 37 inches long. If you're careful, you'll even be able to wear them as is. But, we find it a much better practice to restring them or to use them as individual beads.
Beads vary in diameter from 2mm to 7mm, but mostly they are 3mm to 5mm.
Of course, each strand is different and all beads are hand, and the variety of bead designs and sizes is amazing.
Made in Africa
16May2010
Limited Availability
Price: $4.25 per strand
SilverCrow Exclusive
Tin of 25 Authentic Vintage & New African Trade Beads
More African Items
African trade beads have been worn and collected for decades worldwide. Their distinctive look and feel makes them so very special, particularly because each bead is hand made. The original trade beads were made, worn and traded starting in the 15th century, used as a type of currency for goods and services.
Many of the beads that were traded centuries ago were actually made throughout Europe and Asia and then carried to Africa to trade for goods and services. Our vintage and newer selection of 25 beads were all created by hand in Africa between the mid-20th century and today.
The sandy beads are actually made of crude glass, although there are some rough clay beads included, as well as brass, bauxite and copper. The shiny, colorful glass beads resemble beads from India, but are indeed African. You may also find horn an bone beads in your selection.
Each tin of 25 measures 1-1/2 inch in diameter and 3/4 inch high and features a glass lid so you can peek inside before opening the tin. The beads range from tiny to about 1 inch long.
We put this selection together from our own collection of authentic African Trade Beads.
5April2010
Price: $13.00 per Tin
Small Bronze Sarcophagus Box with 4 Birds
More Boxes & Bags
Created from the design of an ancient sarcophagus, this little bronze box features four hand forged birds atop the lid. Of course there is no mummy inside, but we think this a wonderful addition a shrine. And, it's also quite attractive on its own. It's style is that of antiquity, appearing that this might be thousands of years old. Alas, it is relatively new, having been made in the 1990s.
Although made in Egypt, the box also appears to be Mesoamerican in style as well. The images are universally ancient.
Each box is slightly different as every one has been painstakingly made by hand in the tradition of generations of metal workers. The approximate base measurement is 2-1/8 inch by 1 inch. The box depth is about 9/16 inch. The lid sits roughly on top of the be base and makes the entire box about 1 inch to 1-1/8 inch high.
The inset shows the top of the box.
Made in Egypt
6January2010
Price: $27.90 each
Small Bronze Sarcophagus Box with Crocodile
Created from the design of an ancient sarcophagus, this little bronze box features an elegant crocodile atop the lid. Of course there is no mummy inside, but we think this a wonderful addition a shrine. And, it's also quite attractive on its own. It's style is that of antiquity, appearing that this might be thousands of years old. Alas, it is relatively new, having been made in the 1990s.
30December2009
Zulu Mbenge Telephone Wire Art Multicolor Bowl
More Bowls, Vessels & Containers
This stunning clip holder hails from the largest African Tribe (the Zulu). The Zulu have long been known for unmatched skill and artistry in weaving baskets from native grasses. Urban Zulu, faced with little access to natural materials, are now fashioning the same baskets from recycled telephone wire. This bright, washable and sturdy basket, or mbenge, is one of many created in unlimited colors combinations of intricate, mesmerizing designs. No two are alike - as the colors of the wire available and the patterns differ!
This gorgeous bowl will make a striking statement in any room - the multicolor wires are the most exciting of all of our designs. The colors are the same in each of the bowls and the patterns are very, very similar, but not exactly the same - making each bowl a masterpiece work of art that only you will have.
You can certainly use this sturdy little bowl or just display it as elegant décor. It measures about 6-1/2 inches in diameter and from the table to the top of the bowl, it is 2-1/2 inches.
Wash in warm, soapy water. As it is woven, please don't expect it to hold liquids. It is not dishwasher safe. We recommend that you not use this for unwrapped food.
Made in South Africa
24December2009
Price: $30.00 Each
Small Recycled Sardine Label Bowl
More Bowls & Other Containers
More Green & Recycled Products
More African Products
More Useful Décor
This fun giant bowl has been created from a papier mâché base. Then each label has been painstakingly trimmed and placed to create this wonderfully pleasing pattern. Our decorative bowl measures 7 inches in diameter at the top and is about 3-1/2 inches high.
Of course, each bowl is unique as they are all handmade by African artisans. This Fair Trade item supports Aids Research and Relief in Africa.
Please use this as a decorative bowl only. It cannot be immersed. Please clean with a soft cloth - no water.
23December2009
Price: $9.50 Each
Large Recycled Sardine Label Bowl
This fun giant bowl has been created from a papier mâché base. Then small sardine can labels are painstakingly trimmed, placed and glued to create this wonderfully pleasing pattern. Our decorative bowl measures 10 inches in diameter at the top and is about 5-1/4 inches high.
19December2009
Price: $20.50 Each
Made Just for SilverCrow!
Exotic Charm Featuring Cairo and Its Sights
More Charms
More Egypt & Other Africa
We had this little resin and sterling silver-plated charm made just for us! A vintage travel poster stylized image of exotic Cairo is perfect for that project featuring the story of the Nile or in homage to Cleopatra.
Pyramids, the Sphinx and other figures standout against a gorgeous pink sky.
This flat-backed charm is set in a bezel of white metal plated with antiqued sterling silver plate. An actual photograph is encapsulated in a washable, dry-cleanable, non-yellowing and non-scratch resin - creating a glowing almost 3-D effect. It measures 1-1/8 inch in diameter and the hanging loop at the top adds another 1/8 inch.
Made In USA
25May2009
Price: $4.15 each
Nelson Mandela Finger Puppet (aka Magnet)
More Art Dolls and Such
More African Inspired Items
Nelson Mandela is one of the greatest leaders of our time: a hero whose fight against racial oppression in South Africa earned him the Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his country. During his 28 years in prison, he became recognized as a leader and a symbol of resistance to the racist, apartheid government. Mandela was released from prison in 1990, and became the first black president three years later.
This great man is even greater as a magnetic finger puppet! On your finger, he's a puppet; on your fridge, he's a magnet; in your puppet collection he's a hero! As a finger puppet, he measures approximately 4 inches tall. But, metaphorically, he is much, much taller than that!
Imported
11June2008
Price: $5.95 each
Calame Reed Pen
The first fiber tip pens were made in Egypt as far back as 500 BC! Made from various reeds (these are bamboo), calames find their roots in reed brushes that were pounded or chewed into shape.
As writing developed, the reeds were split and made into pens. Writing fluid is held in the hollowed out shaft of the reed and flows down through the chiseled or pointed tip, or nib. Our calame features two sharpened ends.
Because of the natural bamboo, calames can only be made by hand.
Now you can create your own old-world documents with a bamboo reed calame or pen and SilverCrow's papyrus! You may even want to buy one as a model to carve your own calame from our bamboo stalks.
And, just imagine what a great show and tell this would be for grade school, art school or with friends of all ages!
Imported from France
SilverCrow Classic, updated 19June2008
Price: 13.75 Each
Hand Forged Bronze Crocodile Box
More Boxes and Bags
This sturdy little box features a lid with the image of a crocodile atop it. It reminds us of a sarcophagus or other funeral-related containers that you might find in an ancient pyramid. The image of the crocodile is also useful as a handle to remove the lid.
It's size belies such a use: the base measures 2-1/4 inches long by 1 inch wide and, without the lid, about 1 inch high. The lid adds another 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Each rough-hewn box is different from the next, as each is made individually by skilled traditional craftsmen.
Hand-Crafted in Egypt
20May2008
Price: $15.40 each Each
Full Sheet
Artists' Artistamps - Le Louvre Département Égyptien
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Considered by many to be the greatest museum in the world, The Louvre in Paris is well know for its fine collections of art and artifacts from many cultures and eras. Among those collections is the Louvre's outstanding collection of the treasures of Egypt. This set of artistamps is fabulous collage of many of those treasures.
Such superb printing and such elegant subjects are on SilverCrow's Artists' Artistamps. These faux postage stamps are beyond compare. Usually only sold in the world's best museums, SilverCrow is delighted to offer this new larger artistamp of a mélange of Famous People. Each sheet is a little over 12-1/8 inches wide and about 3-1/4 inches high.
Please remember that these are faux postes and not to be used to replace the true postage necessary for mailing!
Made in France
13May2008
Price $5.00 Per Sheet
Zulu Mbenge Telephone Wire Art Pencil Cup - Turquoise Jewel tones
More Vessels, Bowls & Containers
This stunning pencil cup hails from the largest African Tribe (the Zulu). The Zulu have long been known for unmatched skill and artistry in weaving baskets from native grasses. Urban Zulu, faced with little access to natural materials, are now fashioning the same baskets from recycled telephone wire. This bright, washable and sturdy basket, or mbenge, is one of many created in unlimited colors combinations of intricate, mesmerizing designs. No two are alike - as the colors of the wire available and the patterns differ!
This gorgeous pencil cup will make a striking statement in any room - particularly an office, art room or studio. It measures a bit over 4 inches in diameter at the top and is a little over 4-1/2 inches high. It is as elegant for simple display as it may be useful.
20November2007
Price: $39.50 Each
Zulu Mbenge Telephone Wire Art Clip Holder - Turquoise Jewel tones
This gorgeous clip holder will make a striking statement in any room - particularly an office, art room or studio. It measures a bit over 3-1/2 inches in diameter at the top and is about 2 inches high. The inset picture shows the mesmerizing pattern on base of the holder.
You can certainly use this sturdy little bowl or just display it as elegant décor.
Price: $26.50 Each
Fun with Good Luck Symbols Stencils
More Stencils & Stencil Art
More St Patrick's Day & Good Luck
More Milagros & Amulets
Throughout the world, good luck symbols exist in almost every culture. Many believe that these tokens bring about luck, prosperity, longevity and protection from evil. The designs can be in the form of statues, charms, pictures, tattoos, or even straight from nature.
This little stencil book invites youngsters of all ages to draw, color, spray paint, etc., six of these symbols. Included are:
hamsa (Arabian) or hamesh (Hebrew) hand horseshoe (American) elephant (Indian) eye of Horus (Egyptian) four-leaf clover (Irish) conch shell (Chinese and Tibetan)
Perfect as well for decorating walls and furniture, these signs of good fortune will create instant interest on a variety of flat surfaces.
The 6 pre-cut coated cardboard stencils are identified on each page. The little booklet measures 4-3/16 by 5-3/4 inches.
Made in USA
29August2007
$1.50 each
Large African Porcupine Quills
More African & African Inspired Items
Unlike our small porcupine quills, these large ones are imported from Africa. The African porcupine often grows to the size of a small bear. His American relative is much smaller. These quills are gorgeous - from 6 to 12 inches long (most are around 7 to 9 inches).
As with all natural materials, each quill is unique. You can clip the ends and thread through the quill, use it to write by sharpening one end and using it as a dip pen. It would make a great spine base for binding an informal book or pamphlet.
We have even seen them sliced into sections and inlaid in furniture and frames. Because of their size, they also make lovely and unique chignon pins.
These are sharp, so be very careful.
Imported from Africa
SilverCrow Classic
NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN
Price: $3.25 Each
Vintage French Soap Label or Wrapper - Savon des Explorateurs
More Ephemera
More French Items
The printing on this terrific old French soap label is tremendous. The colors are as vibrant as though it had never seen light. Each label measures 3-1/2 by 7-1/4 inches and is on high-quality cloth-like textured paper, most probably with a high cotton or linen content.
Monsieur de Brazza (Pierre Paul François Camille Savorgnan de Brazza), though Italian-born, is considered a French explorer and is well regarded as the founder of French Equatorial Africa. He is pictured in his Lawrence of Arabia-like garb, ready to further explore.
Each label reads:
SAVON DES EXPLORATEURS De BRAZZA Société Continentale du Cosmidor PARIS No. 2398
How perfect for a French collage! Or, you might even choose to use it to wrap some very special soap or even to frame it.
29July2007
Vintage Item - Limited Availability
Old Price: $2.25 New Price: $1.75 each
Vintage Glass Sphinx Cabochon
More Vintage
More Jewelry Components
More Africa & Egypt
This wonderfully odd piece is an Egyptian revival glass flat-backed cabochon featuring a stylized sphinx, backed by pyramids and the sun in the background. It measures about 1-1/4 inch in diameter. The pale green accent on blue is at once eerie and beautiful, as are these ancient symbols themselves.
Made in Germany
30May2007
Was: $8.85 Now: $7.00 each
Egyptian Temporary Tattoos
More Temporary Tattoos More Tattoo Stuff
Egyptian Art Fine Art Stickers
Ten striking motifs - perfect accents for cheeks, shoulders ankles and other strategic body locations - depict Queen Nefertiti, gods in bird form, the Sphinx, a scarab, lotus and papyrus flowers an ankh (the Egyptian symbol for life) and more.
These also make a very special addition to an art project or collage about Egypt.
20July2007 New Style
Price: $1.50 Each
Ancient Goddesses Temporary Tattoos
More Temporary Tattoos
Admirers of prehistoric art and mythology will prize this unique collection of colorful body art. Six images include Venus of Willendorf (Earth Mother) of Austria, Minoan Snake Goddess of Crete, Vegetation Goddess of Bulgaria, Goddess Jagadamba of Bengal, Rising Earth Mother of Crete and Bird-Faced Goddess of Egypt.
25February2007
Price: $1.50 per booklet
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Papyrus Sheet
A 6” x 8” piece of reed paper, produced in Egypt just as it has been for thousands of years. Each sheet has its individual characteristics and colorings as papyrus is made with natural materials. Irregular edges identify this as the real thing!
Be sure to use a reed calame to decorate this for a perfect ancient Egyptian-themed project! Or make a book including several sheets and bind it with bamboo stalks.
Price: $3.85 each
Mummy Double Deck Playing Cards
These unique 1-3/4”x7-1/2” playing cards are die cut in the shape of the ancient Egyptian sarcophagus of Nes-mut-aat-neru (c. 700-675 B.C.) Hieroglyphics and motifs of gods and goddesses and rich gold ink accents adorn each of the cards. Includes 2 decks, so you can split it with a friend! Great for an embellishment for any Egyptian-themed project.
Made in USA or Belgium
Price: $20.00
Qty
African Art Playing Cards
The designs on these striking cards were executed by J Beckvermit III and are based on African decoration and symbols from many different tribes. You'll find that playing with this standard deck of 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches cards becomes an inspirational journey as well as a treasured pastime!
Included with every deck is a 32-page informational booklet explaining the designs, symbols and their meanings.
printed in USA
Price: $7.00 Per Deck
King Tut Sticker Paper dolls
This exciting and educational collection includes a figure of the famous Egyptian boy ruler, plus a peel-and-apply wardrobe of royal apparel and authentic artifacts. 44 full-color stickers
Price: $1.50
African Tarot Deck
The colorful, childlike imagery in this 2-3/8 inch by 3-1/8 inch deck evokes feelings from a simpler time, thus beginning a process of self-awareness. Packaged in a unique corrugated cardboard box.
Of course, the deck is perfect for a fortune-telling session. But, the vibrant colors and definitive artwork on each card would add nicely to any colorful project you might envision.
Price: $15.00
Laser Cut Wooden Pharaoh Charm
You just won't believe the detail on this charm, shown on the left in the illustration. There are two holes at the top for attaching chain, wire, fibres, etc. He is approximately 1-3/4 inch high by slightly over 1 inch wide.
Price: $2.25
Magnet - King Tut (TUTANKHAMEN)
More Magnets
More Egyptian & African Items
The boy king of Egypt, Tutankhamen, from the Golden Age of Pharaohs, is thought to have been born in 1341 BC and to have died circa 1323 BC, although neither date is exactly confirmed. When his tomb was discovered with all of its riches in 1922 by famed archaeologist Howard Carter, Tutankhamen became quite famous and has come to represent ancient Egypt. Despite his death at a young age, he ruled Egypt for at least 9 years!
We were delighted to have found this magnet, as it's color vibrancy is amazing for such a common item as a magnet. King Tut's eminence is beautifully portrayed and can become a part of your décor.
made in USA or Imported
Price $3.95
Fine Art Stickers: Egyptian Art
More Fine Art Stickers
Egyptian Art Temporary Tattoos
From the mysterious land of the pharaohs comes the inspiration for this magnificent collection of fine art stickers. Sixteen authentic images, all adapted from elaborate artworks found in the tombs and temples of ancient Egypt depict female musicians, priests officiating at a funeral, a portrait of a high-born lady, as well as paintings from the Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el Bahari. Also included are paintings from the Tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the Tomb of Ramses III in Thebes.
Ideal for adding an eye-catching, decorative touch to almost any flat surface, these attractive stickers will also appeal to lovers of all things Egyptian.
Multicolor Raffia Bag
This cute little bag is extremely versatile. It's natural straw is dyed and woven into a sturdy and festive cache for any small gift. Because of its versatility, it appears as a gift itself! It is about 3-1/4 by almost 4-1/2 inches.
It can stand on it's own, so you might want to add some straw flowers and create a natural accent, or place a small glass inside and fresh flowers in water!
Made in Madagascar
Price: $1.35
African Designs Coloring Book
A dynamic and expressive genre. African art has had a tremendous influence on contemporary art and design. The 30 large, ready-to-color illustrations in this collection - all adapted from traditional African designs - reflect the continent's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Carefully rendered from authentic artifacts are a Moorish textile pattern, an Ashanti carved door panel, a Malian wooden headdress in the form of an antelope, an Ethiopian cross, a South African cave painting, a Tunisian carpet design and other motifs.
The intriguing designs, with their unusual qualities and native characteristics, will delight folk art enthusiasts and coloring book fans of all ages. The bold renderings will also appeal to graphic artists, designers and craftworkers. 32 pages.
Price: $3.95
Close-Up with Measurement
Strand of African Christmas Trade Beads
These delightful, hand-made beads are known as African Christmas Beads as they are used for personal and home adornment. They are temporarily strung on string or dental floss and are in loops from 30 to 36 inches long. If you're careful, you'll even be able to wear them as is. But, we find it a much better practice to restring them or to use them as individual beads as you would seed beads.
Of course, each strand is different, and the variety of bead designs and sizes is amazing.
Was: $3.25 Now: $2.80 per strand
African Goddess Amulet Pendant
More Amulets, Talismans & Medals
This lovely fetish is created by hand in Africa. The cast brass amulet of a female figure represents the goddess in all women. As soon as you take a look at the Close-Up, you'll want to have several of these special 2-inch pieces
Just add one of these to a leather cord, and you've created an elegant, yet funky necklace. Or, add one to a collage, shrine or assemblage to represent the feminine spirit of your artwork.
Double Pointed Calame Reed Pen
More Pencils, Pens & Brushes
More Natural Specialties
One nib is 1/16 and the other is 3/32. So, this pen can accomplish a variety of writing techniques.
Was: 13.75 Now: $11.50 Each
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