RARE FIND | AUTHENTIC OVAMBO EKIPA NECKLACE.
A truly exceptional piece of African cultural history and one of the rarest treasures to cross my path.
At the heart of this striking necklace is an authentic antique Namibian Ovambo Ekipa (Omakipa) ivory button pendant, beautifully hand-carved and displaying the distinctive geometric decoration traditionally associated with these highly prized status symbols. For generations, Ekipa buttons were treasured by the Ovambo people of northern Namibia, serving not only as adornment but also as symbols of wealth, prestige, and social standing.
Suspended from the pendant is a wonderfully tactile strand of antique African cherry Bakelite beads, their rich deep oxblood-red tones developing the warm glow and character that only decades of age can create. These are beautifully complemented by ornate Benin bronze beads and finished with an unusual decorative bronze toggle clasp, creating a necklace that feels both tribal and timeless.
ABOUT EKIPA • Traditionally worn by Ovambo women as symbols of status and prosperity. • Hand-carved from ivory and passed down through generations as family heirlooms. • Increasingly difficult to find on the international market. • Highly sought after by collectors of African ethnographic art and jewellery.
The combination of authentic Ekipa ivory, antique Bakelite, and Benin bronze creates a museum-worthy piece that tells a story spanning multiple African cultures and centuries of craftsmanship.
Examples of authentic antique Ekipa pieces regularly command between R4,000 – R10,000+ on the international collector's market, depending on age, provenance, condition, and craftsmanship.
A rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of Namibian cultural heritage — bold, powerful, and impossible to replicate.
Please note: This is an antique pre-ban ethnographic artefact offered for its historical and cultural significance.
Measurements :The necklace with a length of 50cm.The Ekipa measures 5.3cm x 3.6cm.The necklace with a weight of 127 grams.
