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African daisy image from pexels.com
While hunting through a mountain of necklaces to pop color into my daily black attire, I started thinking of the commonalities and complexities that exist within ethnic ritual jewelry. The meaning of color combinations, bones, sinew, beads, glass, amber and hand hammered metals. The creativity of the findings that lock the artistry in place, the knotted strings and waxed threads.
I recall sewing bells into the hems of my skirts that left a faint sensual sound as I left the room. A vial of patchouli oil that hung from my waist beads that exploded with scent from my body’s warmth. Lockets with tear stained secret prayers folded and tucked between hammered copper disc bound with worn leather shoe laces. Oh, I was a praying consulting Sista!
Rituals created with beads soaked in various oils and passed along with the sweetness of protection. Healing stones taped in my navel to protect and clean my chakras. Those were the days of my youth, wrapping cobalt blue beads around the necks of deities as offerings to my ancestors. An exclusive invitation to consult and be cradled in the arms of Oshun and Yemaja. Oshun in the Yoruba religion, is an a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of God. Oshun reigns over love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy. Yemaja, also a deity in the Yoruba religion; is the ocean, the essence of motherhood, and a fierce protector of children.
In my oddity, I began to think of culture, style and fashion and how it’s interpreted in our lives. Our expressions with talismans and rosaries? A silent interchange, a glance, a stare, a nod of appreciation? I’ve stood in front of a mirror and changed my necklaces several times, asking myself, how will I be perceived throughout the day? Is it too much, too strong, does it have a flow? What message am I sending with it’s bold-esoteric value?
In my maturity, I begin to contemplate the importance of collective womanhood. Purging things lacking substance and considering passing my collection on as family heirlooms to loved ones.
How does one begin to make an impact in a world using technology that has created distance and a false sense of connection? A post here, Instagram there, and we feel as if we’ve made strong connections.
‘My Basket Full of Stories of Fashion’ by Takara
It’s time to pass along messages to our youth the importance of connections, social issues, and value of human life. The slightest gesture can last a lifetime and help to redefine the life they’re experiencing. What ritual can you create today while enhancing and empowering within fashion, style and cause?
While researching I discovered a company creating ‘Fashion For A Cause‘, International Sanctuary, a social entrepreneurship which sells handcrafted jewelry under the label iSanctuary. Each label carries the artisans name, names that aren’t known to the fashion industry. They are survivors of human trafficking. Let’s use our spending and fashion power to change the world. Reach back, above and below and pull someone closer. Visit: www.iSanctuary.org.
In 1978, I can recall a cleaning woman named Narcissis, in her 70’s, worked in the shadows of our office where she and I were the only brown women. She was the past and I was the future, and we coexisted. Often glancing at one another and nodding, rarely stopping for conversation, after all, I was part of the sales force, and I was moving on up!
One snowy day she approached me, as she was emptying my wastebasket and shoved a paper towel in my hand and softly tapped. With my furled brow, I quickly put it in my purse and walked briskly to the restroom. Unfolding the neatly presented gift I discovered a gold emerald encrusted bracelet. It took my breath away, I was stunned by it’s beauty and why she made the decision to pass such a heirloom to virtually an unknown stranger?
I rewrapped the gift and returned to my desk with a rapidly beating heart. Awaiting my opportunity to say thank you, Narcissis never returned to work. I later learned she had passed away; and to this day, I still have the paper towel gift wrapped bracelet. Occasionally, I come across it in my treasures and think … what it took for Narcissis to pass me that gift and the meaning associated. I never knew, I can only think that it was one of love and appreciation between two brown women, one with a life, long lived and one with a life, filled with promises.
Àṣẹ is a Yoruba concept that signifies the power to make things happen and change. It is given by Olodumare (the Creator) to everything – Gods, ancestors, spirits, humans, animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and voiced words such as songs, prayers, praises, curses, or even everyday conversation. So, I dedicate this article to Narcicsis who worked in the shadows of our office and watched and protected me with her silent prayers – Àṣẹ Narcissis.
– Takara Beathea Gudell, Style Editor
The owner/operator of Takara, a women’s clothing store in Oak Park, IL. “After 30+ years of experience, it is my passion to design simply delicious clothing that inspire women to walk in their power.” http://shoptakara-com.myshopify.com/