Confident steps match the colors of Kati Torda's necklace. Hand-carved from cow horn, an avant-garde pendant embodies the elements of a fiery spirit with a minimalist oval shape and a combination of warm brushstrokes painted on a high-polished grey color, all dangling from an adjustable cord chain.
Made in Ghana
Cow horn, synthetic cord
Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
"With every bead comes a history of the circumstances surrounding its production, and with that comes the various occasions a particular bead should be worn, and why!"
"You may know me as Kati Dagadu, but I would prefer to use my maiden name from now on, Torda. I'm Hungarian by birth. I... was born in the Northeast corner of Hungary in my hometown, Gonc. I went to school from 1965-1979.
"I met my Ghanaian husband in Hungary where he was on a government scholarship to pursue his studies. We got married when I was 20 years old and we moved to Ghana to begin our lives together. When we arrived in Ghana I had the Hungarian equivalent of the 'Ordinary Level' Certificate, and had no ability to speak English whatsoever. I was thus limited in terms of what Ghana had to offer me or what I could offer Ghana.
"Since I was limited by my inability to speak English effectively, I turned to handicrafts in order to communicate with my environment and my neighbors. I began working with macramé, the art of knotting and twisting cords to make decorative pieces. So I brought some threads from Hungary. Since I was used to doing this in Hungary I continued with it in Ghana. I discovered a wealth of beautiful kitchen accessories that I grew fond of and used these in my macramé. My search for very elaborate kitchen accessories took me deeper and deeper into the market. And I realized that beads were found in every corner on the market.
"I first came into contact with Ghanaian beads when I first arrived in the country to meet my husband's parents, in Tsume Afedoin the Volta Region. This custom demands that I, as the wife of their first son, be welcomed into the family with a stock of beads. My daughters were also presented with beads when they were born.
"I was fascinated by this gesture. I realized that beads play a huge role in the history, present and future of the Ghanaian peoples. With every bead comes a history of the circumstances surrounding its production, and with that comes the various occasions a particular bead should be worn, and why! I was amazed by this revelation and it encouraged me to research the culture and history of Ghanaian beads.
"Thus I began spending a lot of time in the markets, with any bead vendor or anybody who knew much about beads and didn't mind talking to me about them. I started asking questions. 'Why is this bead expensive?' 'Why is this cheap?' 'Why do these have this and not that?' It went on and on. As I got the replies to my questions I found the answers intriguing, fascinating and exciting. My craving for beads grew stronger and stronger. I found myself hiring an interpreter and buying schnapps, which is the customary drink that has to be presented to any traditional authority when one wants to confer with them. The interpreter accompanied me to speak with people in the villages that had a strong bead culture, and I took a notepad and pencil and wrote everything that was relayed to me. At this time I was also studying for an O Level Certificate in English at the Institute of Languages in Accra, which I passed in 1986.
"With time I left the macramé threads which I used in arranging bead necklaces — I found them to be popular with the women. I started using leather strings, which I got from shoemakers from the Northern region of Ghana, who specialize in leather slippers and sandals. My work was growing more sophisticated. People who saw my designs loved them, and when I told them about the history behind the arrangement, they suggested I have my own exhibition for my collections.
"I was introduced to the director of the Goethe Institute here in Ghana, and he was interested in the concept of organizing an exhibition. I talked to a Ghanaian lady friend who created batik prints and another who made clothing and we put the show together. In 1987, we successfully held a two week exhibition of designer clothing, batiks, and beads at the Goethe Institute, and this was a huge success. Each piece had its own explanation, and a publication about beads was launched under my name.
"I've held several other exhibitions in Ghana and other parts of the world. My designs have grown more elaborate and increasingly sophisticated. I'm also dealing with fashion designers. They invited me to supply locally manufactured beads with a new spark and shine, to make accessories for modern African clothing. My latest achievement in the fashion circles is supplying the jewelry for the annual Miss Lox Universe Beauty Pageant and Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant, both incredibly glamorous events. I also design beads for Angela Fisher, a well-known English designer from Nairobi, as well as other local and international designers.
"I'm also very proud of helping to establish the Ghana Bead Society. We want to re-educate Ghanaians to keep beads and stool beads intact within the family — these are actually family heirlooms — rather than selling them off for paltry amounts. Those beads are not ordinary beads. They have a history, and this makes them different from other beads — indeed priceless. We also try to create awareness in Ghanaian society about our national resources and treasures.
"I have two daughters and a son. Before she died, my mother used to visit for long periods of time, and my other relatives drop in one after the other. I remember fondly when I announced to my parents my decision to relocate to Ghana with my husband. My mother was happy but for the distance. I've had an exhibition in my hometown as well and they were pleased with my collection. I'm glad Ghana has accepted me well."
Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.
We want you to be 100% satified with your order, so if you are not completely happy with your item, you can return it within 60 days of receiving it.
We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.
Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.
If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.
In the unlikely even that we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will contact you and provide an updated delivery window.
This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
BUST
35 - 36
37 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
WAIST
27 - 28
29 - 30
31 - 33
34 - 36
38 - 40
HIPS
37 - 38
39 - 40
42 - 43
45 - 46
49 - 50
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
CHEST
36 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
50 - 52
WAIST
30 - 32
32 - 34
35 - 37
38 - 41
43 - 45
NECK
14 - 14.5
15 - 15.5
16 - 16.5
17 - 17.5
18 - 18.5
SLEEVE
32.5
33.5
34.5
35.5
36.5
FINDING YOUR SIZE
Take your measurements with the tape measure over your under garments. If your measurements fall between sizes you may prefer the next larger size. Inseam, skirt and dress lengths vary by style and will be listed in the item description. Our sweaters are knit in standard American sizes, however actual measurements vary by style.
BUST / CHEST
Measure around the fullest part of chest under the arms and over the shoulder blades keeping the tape measure level.
WAIST
Measure around the smallest part of the waist keeping the tape measure comfortably loose. Most garments use the low waist measurement noted below.
LOW WAIST
Measure around the body approximately 1.5" below the natural waist (above). This is the area where most pants and skirts actually fit.
HIPS
Standing with your heels together, measure around the fullest part of the body approx 7"-8" below the waist.
NECK
Measure around the base of the neck keeping the tape measure comfortably loose.
SLEEVE
Bend elbow slightly and starting at the center back of the neck, measure across the shoulder, to the elbow and down to the wrist.
INSEAM
Our standard inseam length for women is 32" and 34" for men; however inseam measurements will vary slightly by style.
Belts with buckles are measured in inches that correspond to a waist size however, most people do not wear belts on the waist, they wear them closer to the hips. A buckle belt measurement is take from the end of the "pin" of the buckle to the middle hole on the belt. Generally there are 5 holes for size adjustment, with a 1" space between each, so the middle hole will the be average size of the belt.
For at tie belt (no buckle) measure the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This again is the medium size of the belt.
For a soft fabric tie belt it can be called "1 size fits most" and the entire length of the belt should be measured and listed.
See buckle/tie belt size standards below.
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
inches
26 - 30
28 - 32
31 - 35
34 - 38
38 - 42
cm
76 - 86
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
inches
30 - 34
32 - 36
35 - 39
39 - 43
43 - 47
cm
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
109 - 119
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
Sash tie length
Lay sash/tie out flat away from the garment and measure from end to end.
Belt with buckle
Measure from the end of the pin of the buckle (where it touches the buckle) to the middle hole.
Belt without buckle
Measure from the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This is will give you the medium size of the belt.
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.
Good news! A premium jewelry box is available for this item. You can select the premium jewelry box option during checkout.
Delivering beautiful handmade jewelry in these exquisite boxes will make your gifts truly unforgettable, or provide you with a keepsake box in which to store your favorite treasures!
Most premium gift wrap is only $3.95 - $5.95 per item.
SELECT THE PREMIUM JEWELY BOX OPTION DURING CHECKOUT
Go premium for jewelry gifts!
Triple 'Win' Pricing
WIN # 1
You Save!
UNICEF Market's artisan-direct prices are made possible through our partnership with NOVICA, a leading fair trade organization that works directly with artisans in remote regions around the world in many of the same communities where UNICEF has missions. NOVICA’s ten global Artisan Empowerment Hubs in Asia, Africa, and Latin America provide interest-free microcredit loans to artisans and help them bring their handmade creations directly to you.
WIN # 2
Children Benefit!
UNICEF Market supports children by helping generate funds for UNICEF's programs dedicated to improving children's lives worldwide. These initiatives provide essential resources such as safe water, nutrition, education, health care, and emergency relief to children in need. Learn more here: UNICEF USA.
WIN # 3
Artisans Thrive!
UNICEF Market empowers artisans in emerging nations by offering a fair trade platform to sell their handcrafted goods, expanding their market reach and increasing their income. This support helps transform the lives of tens of thousands of artisans and their family members across the globe.
