Handcrafted Ostrich Eggshell Heishi Necklace - 217.2

Handcrafted Ostrich Eggshell Heishi Necklace - 217.2Handcrafted Ostrich Eggshell Heishi Necklace A piece of wearable history, this necklace is crafted from one of the oldest jewelry making materials known to humanity. These delicate, creamy white discstraditionally known as Heishi beadsare painstakingly hand cut, drilled, and smoothed from the thick shells of ostrich eggs. This specific style is a hallmark of the San people of Southern Africa, representing a craft that has remained virtually unchanged

Handcrafted Ostrich Eggshell Heishi Necklace

​A piece of wearable history, this necklace is crafted from one of the oldest jewelry-making materials known to humanity. These delicate, creamy-white discs—traditionally known as Heishi beads—are painstakingly hand-cut, drilled, and smoothed from the thick shells of ostrich eggs. This specific style is a hallmark of the San people of Southern Africa, representing a craft that has remained virtually unchanged for tens of thousands of years.

​Artistry & Craftsmanship

• ​Ancient Technique: Each bead is individually shaped by hand. The shell is broken into small fragments, drilled with a central hole, and then strung together and ground against a flat stone to create a uniform, cylindrical strand.
• ​Minimalist Palette: The natural, unbleached ivory hue of the shell provides a soft, matte finish that feels both primitive and ultra-modern.
• ​Organic Construction: The beads are traditionally strung on natural fiber or sinew, finished with a rustic hand-tied raffia or cord closure, highlighting the raw, earth-derived beauty of the piece.

Size: H 36cm W 8cm D 8cm