Hakata

This piece is a jewellery component made using reclaimed bone that has been shaped into a rounded oblong. The surface depicts a stylised geometric lizard. The detail is inscribed into the bone using traditional hand scrimshaw cross-hatching techniques, then dyed with black dye to accentuate the un-etched lizard design. The bone has been given an all-over-aged effect with natural tannins. This piece is a modern interpretation of ‘hakata’, the traditional fortune-telling practice of throwing bones, used by Zimbabwean n’yanga (witchdoctors). The hakata set is typically four bones with different carved motifs. This component was recreated for use in jewellery making for the Ndau Collection.

Giraffe leg bone, Brooch

Crafted by

Moses Kalembela