Ask anyone in Nairobi what a giraffe is called and they'll tell you: twiga. It's one of the first Kiswahili words many visitors learn, usually on the drive out of the city, when a long neck rises above the acacia trees and someone in the car says it softly, like a greeting.
That word gave its name to the pair of earrings our customers love most. Twiga African Earrings have been our best-selling style this season, and this is the story behind them.
Made in Kenya · Best Seller
Twiga African Earrings
Hand-carved bone, giraffe pattern, 3-inch drop · $34.00
Buy Now Add to CartWhat "Twiga" Means
Twiga is the Kiswahili word for giraffe. Kiswahili is spoken by tens of millions of people across East Africa, from the Kenyan coast to Tanzania, Uganda and beyond, so the name travels well. Kenya is home to three kinds of giraffe: the Maasai giraffe, with its jagged, leaf-shaped patches; the reticulated giraffe of the north, with clean white lines between deep orange panels; and the rare Rothschild's giraffe. No two giraffes carry the same pattern. Their coats are as individual as a fingerprint.
That idea, that every pattern belongs to one animal alone, is what makes the earrings feel personal. Each pair is carved and finished by hand, so each one is slightly different from the last.
How Twiga Earrings Are Made
Twiga earrings are hand-carved from cow bone by artisans in Kenya, working with our long-time partners at Alex Njuru Curios. Bone carving is a skill passed down through generations. The bone is cut, shaped and smoothed, then the giraffe pattern is added by hand, panel by panel, until the surface reads like a coat in the afternoon sun.
The result is a long, light earring with a 3-inch drop. Bone is far lighter than metal of the same size, which is why a statement length like this stays comfortable from morning until the last song of the night.
How to Wear Them
A 3-inch drop does a lot of the work for you, so let it lead:
- With your hair up. A high bun, braids pulled back or a short cut lets the full length of the earring show and frames the face.
- With solid colors. Cream, rust, olive, black or denim give the pattern room. A plain white shirt and Twiga is an outfit.
- With print, carefully. If you're wearing Ankara or another bold print, pick one color from the fabric that matches the warm browns of the earring, and keep your other jewelry quiet.
- Day to evening. They're light enough for a workday and dramatic enough for a wedding, a gallery opening or a night out.
Want them as part of a set? Browse our Pairings collection for pieces chosen to be worn together.
For Smaller Moments: Little Giraffes
If a 3-inch drop is more than you want every day, meet Twiga's quieter sibling. Little Giraffes African Earrings are designed by Kenyan artisan Jack Okumu, with a delicate half-inch drop and fine detail. They're an easy everyday pair, and a sweet gift for someone who loves giraffes as much as we do.
Many customers wear both: Little Giraffes for the office, Twiga for the weekend.
Caring for Bone Jewelry
Bone is natural and will last for years with a little care:
- Put your earrings on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, not before.
- Keep them out of the shower and the pool. If they get wet, dry them gently with a soft cloth.
- Store them on their own in a pouch or a lined box so the surface isn't scratched by metal pieces.
- Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth after wearing.
Twiga Earrings: Common Questions
What are Twiga earrings made of?
They're hand-carved from cow bone in Kenya, with a giraffe pattern finished by hand.
How long are they?
Twiga earrings have a 3-inch drop. For something smaller, Little Giraffes have a half-inch drop.
Are they heavy?
No. Bone is much lighter than metal, so Twiga earrings are comfortable to wear all day despite their length.
Where are they made?
In Kenya, by artisans we've worked with for years. The Afropolitan Shop has worked directly with African makers since 2011.
Do they make a good gift?
Yes. They come with a story: the Kiswahili name and the meaning behind it. For anyone who has been on safari, has roots in East Africa, or simply loves giraffes, they're a thoughtful gift.
Find Your Pair
Twiga sells out often, and each restock is made by hand, so it takes time.
Made in Kenya · Best Seller
Twiga African Earrings
Hand-carved bone, giraffe pattern, 3-inch drop · $34.00
Buy Now Add to CartExplore more styles in our African earrings collection, or read Afrocentric Earrings 101 for more ways to style statement pieces from Kenya.
Love, Africa
