Some jewelry is decoration. Africa shaped earrings are a declaration. They say where you're from, or where your heart is, before you say a word.
The map of the continent has been one of our signature shapes since The Afropolitan Shop began in 2011. Here are the Africa map styles we carry today, each hand-finished by artisans in Kenya, and how to wear them.
Maridadi Africa Map Earrings
Maridadi means pretty in Kiswahili. These are our signature Africa earrings: the full outline of the continent in brass, with fine etchings pressed in by hand, so no two pairs catch the light in quite the same way. The 2.5-inch drop is long enough to be noticed and light enough for all day.
Wear them: with your hair pulled back and a simple neckline, so the shape of the continent is the first thing people see.
Little Africa Earrings
For a quieter nod to the continent, Little Africa Earrings by Kenyan designer Jack Okumu are small brass Africa shapes with an elephant imprint. Look closely and the detail rewards you. They're easy to wear to work, with a head wrap, or as a second pair if you have more than one piercing.
The Maridadi Africa Map Necklace and Set
The Maridadi African Map Necklace is a brass choker with an embossed Africa pendant, made to match the Maridadi earrings. Wear them together and you're carrying the whole continent, twice. The Maridadi Africa Set brings both pieces together in one gift-ready pairing.
Why Africa Shaped Earrings Mean So Much
Africa is 54 countries, thousands of languages and more landscapes than any one map can hold: rainforest, desert, savannah, mountain and coast. An Africa map earring doesn't try to say all of that. It simply says this is home, whether home is where you were born, where your grandparents were born, or the place you carry with you.
That's why they make such a meaningful gift: for a graduation, a first trip back, a daughter leaving for university, or a friend who has never stopped being proud of where she comes from.
How to Style Africa Map Earrings
- Everyday: Little Africa Earrings with a white tee, knitwear or a work blouse.
- Statement: Maridadi map earrings with your hair up and a bare neckline.
- Celebration: the full Maridadi set with a solid-colored dress in emerald, black or deep purple.
- With print: keep the brass and let one gold or yellow in the fabric tie it together. See our Ankara pairing guide for more.
Africa Shaped Earrings: Common Questions
What are your Africa earrings made of?
Our Maridadi Africa map earrings, Little Africa Earrings and Maridadi map necklace are made of brass and finished by hand in Kenya.
Are they real gold?
No. Brass is a copper and zinc alloy with a warm, gold-like color. It gives you the look of gold at a price that makes sense for everyday wear.
How do I care for brass?
Brass can darken with time and contact with water or skin oils. Store it dry, and polish it gently with a soft cloth to bring back the shine.
Do they make a good gift?
Yes, for anyone who carries Africa with them. The Maridadi Africa Set is the easiest choice if you'd like the earrings and necklace together.
Explore more handmade styles in our African earrings collection.
Love, Africa
