In different regions, jewellery production is characterized by the kinds of materials that have been available, although cultural concepts of beauty, power and magic have played their roles. Trade, as well as the inter-regional and cross-cultural exchange of materials and designs, has obviously inspired manufacturing and aesthetics. Shape, colours and designs may be similar, while, at the same time, characterized by distinct features, bearing witness to a local mooring.
Jewellery may be worn as amulets for protection, adding strength or capabilities to the one wearing them. Certain kinds of jewellery indicate particular relationships between persons and spiritual powers. Through jewellery, adornment, and the process of manufacturing, relationships between human as well as other beings in this world and beyond are initiated, reproduced and redefined.
Jewellery is the most ancient form of decorative art. Remains of jewellery are found during archaeological excavations on the African continent. Pierced beads made out of snails shells have been found in Blombos, South Africa. These beads date back 75 000 years. In Enkapune Ya Muto in The Rift Valley, Kenya, pierced parts of ostrich eggshells are found which date back 40 000 years.
