Genuine Elephant Hair Bracelets

Genuine African Elephant Hair Bracelet

HISTORY AND BELIEF

For thousands of years African mythology has believed that the connection between heaven and earth is the elephant. When wearing an elephant hair bracelet you will be protected from harm. You will not get sick or poor, you will be healthy. You will be prosperous and you will always find love.

The traditional elephant hair bracelet for centuries has been a 2-knot bracelet. About 40 years ago, people started making bracelets with 3 knots ... 4 knots or even more. Nowadays some people say that the amount of knots in the elephant hair bracelet will give it a different meaning. There is no evidence in African mythology of this.

When you choose your bracelet you can base your decision purely on the aesthetic appearance.

FRANCIS CARY

Francis Cary is the third generation elephant hair jewelry artisan. Francis lives in the heart of Zululand in the area known as The Elephant Coast elephantcoast

His father lived in the area before him and passed the trade on to him. In more recent times, Francis has introduced metals into his creations. All closures and fittings are molded and made on site. The entire elephant hair bracelet is hand crafted by him.

Francis's grandfather grew up and lived a few miles from his current home. He was one of the first game guards in the game reserve known as Hluhluwe Imfolozi which was established in 1895  hluhluwegamereserve
Before being a game warden, he owned a transport company carrying goods back and forth from Zululand to Johannesburg by ox wagon (a trip that took 3 months). It was during this time that he came into contact with the "elephant hair bracelet". He began to make them and traded with the local tribesman. He was a well-known character in the area and there are still many stories told about him today.

Today Francis enjoys the rich history of his ancestors and is proud of his workmanship. It is with great sadness that your trade will end in a few years once your stock of elephant hair runs out.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF YOUR ELEPHANT HAIR BRACELET

Elephant hair is very thick, about 100 times thicker than human hair. It is thick at one end and narrows to a point at the other end. The hair is out in nature all the time and cannot be treated in any way as human hair. It gets in touch with the sun, the wind and the rain. Every 6 months or so you can lightly rub the olive oil into the hair. If you have an elephant hair bracelet with sliding knots be very careful not to rub too much oil on the bracelet, because if you do, the knots will freely slide open and the bracelet will not remain closed (see video how to repair your bracelet). It is best to get a cloth and let the oil be absorbed by the cloth COMPLETELY and then very lightly rub your bracelet with the cloth allowing a minimal amount of oil to go to the bracelet. Remember that your body's natural oils will also help preserve it.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES USE SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER IN YOUR ELEPHANT HAIR BRACELET. Your bracelet will become brittle and in no time the hair will break.

If your bracelet is properly maintained, it should last 10 years. There are bracelets that have been used for up to 20 years.

The Elephant Hair Bracelet was historically worn by African tribal people who believed that it would enrich their lives and protect them. READ MORE.....

DIFFERENT DESIGNS AND STYLES

Francis likes the bulk of the bracelet to be "elephant hair". He tries to incorporate as little metal as possible. There are often requests for imitation elephant hair bracelets made of solid silver or gold - there are also many requests for bracelets made of leather or plants. Because of the tradition of Francis Cary he does not make them.

Over the years there are many different designs he's created. Many of these are now in other parts of the world also created by other people. Some of them cannot be copied. From time to time someone will ask for a new style that is not familiar. These are always made on request.6

Frank Cary 1932-2016

Francis Cary

Lionel Cary1880-1952

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YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WILL ALWAYS BE KEPT PRIVATE

FEEDBACK

Adam Sendling -Delaware. Brigitte thank you again for your wonderful service. Just got it today. I have lost count of the number of bracelets I have purchased. Regards to Francis .................

Mary Anderson -Denver. Got back from Tanzania and purchased a bracelet that broke after a week. Just received mine from you. Thank you so much. Absolutely beautiful! So glad that I found you on the web

Hector Remington-UK. Just to thank you so much for the repair to my bracelet. I purchased it in Africa 12 years back. Can not believe how nicely you have done it. I will recommend you to my friends.

Angus Bradshaw -Columbus. Just a note to say thanks once again. So sorry to hear about Frank. Will always remember him. Still have so many bracelets that made me. Will always cherish them

IS IT LEGAL TO OWN AN ELEPHANT HAIR BRACELET?

In August 2016, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) cites passed a law prohibiting trade in elephant hair. Retailers still in possession of elephant hair and in possession of a wildlife traders licence (allowing them to sell elephant hair jewelry) are allowed to sell their products until such time as their stocks run out. You are allowed to have an elephant hair bracelet in any country provided that it is purchased from a licensed trader.

1. How to Repair Your Bracelet
2. The latest FRANCIS CARY bracelet design
3. White BROWN bracelets
4. HOW to make an elephant hair bracelet

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