Chic African Culture Africa Factbook

Did you know?

1. No African country names begin with the letters F, H, I, J, O, P, Q, V, W, X, or Y.

2. Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent.

3. The Republic of the Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa.

History of Earrings

Since around 3,000 B.C., earrings have been a status, cultural and religious symbol.

Earrings first made their debut in Northern Africa as early as 3,000 B.C.
Earrings first made their debut in Northern Africa as early as 3,000 B.C.

History of Earrings

Earrings first made their debut in Northern Africa as early as 3,000 B.C. to identify the wearer’s cultural status. 

The main materials used to create Egyptian pieces of jewelry were copper and gold worn by both men and women.

Earrings have been found in graves in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey, ancient Assyria. The ancient Persian city of Persepolis, founded by Darius the Great around 518 B.C. shows elaborate wall carvings of men wearing hoop earrings. 

Ancient Persian city of Persepolis, founded by Darius the Great around 518 B.C. shows elaborate wall carvings of men wearing hoop earrings
Ancient Persian city of Persepolis, shows elaborate wall carvings of men wearing hoop earrings

Earrings were symbols of adornment, wealth and social standing, cultural identification, and even currency throughout history.

Earrings are mentioned in the Bible in the Song of Solomon verses 9-11 written in the 3rd or 4th century:

 “To me, my darling, you are like my mare among the chariots of Pharaoh.

“Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of beads.”

“We will make for you ornaments of gold with beads of silver.”

In the Middle Ages, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry was similar to clothing when it came to representing rank and wealth. 

By the 14th century, laws controlling the amount of jewelry worn based on how much land was owned and the wearer's social status restricted the wearing of jewelry. 

Historically both women and men wear earrings. Today earrings are worn for many of the same reasons in the past, for status, decoration or cultural identity.  Wearing earrings is a cross-cultural beauty tradition, a timeless fashion statement that many people would feel naked without.

Did you know?

Today earrings are worn for many of the same reasons in the past, for status, decoration or cultural identity.
Earrings are a fashion statement around the world

Ötzi's the Iceman frozen mummy is the oldest example of ink Copper Age tattoos, numbering over 50, the tattoos cover Ötzi from head to toe.


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Africa is surrounded by water but is not an island, here are a few African Island facts.

Madagascar is the 4th large island in the world and is located in the Indian Ocean supporting a unique biology, about 90% of its plants and animals are found nowhere else on earth.

Composed of 155 islands, Seychelles is Africa's smallest country. By far the largest island is Mahe, home to about 90% of the population and the site of its capital city of Victoria.

Cabo Verde has a strategic location 310 miles or 500 km from the west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site.

Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent. Continents can not be considered islands because of their size and also by historic definition since many people who study geography define islands and continents as two different things.

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African cultures express, encourage, and communicate energy

African cultures express, encourage, and communicate energy

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Being African in America I have grown up learning about different ethnic cultures. My father and mother are historians of African culture and history and their influence expanded my activities to several best-selling cookbooks, magazine columns, self-branded products, and a popular African culture and food blog.

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Be better than average and support African history and culture. Since 2008 Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet highlight Africa through her food and culture. Contact us culture1africangourmet@gmail.com

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