Boutique Sokofa
Sacs, bijoux, chaussures et accessoires du quotidien faits main par des artisans, pensés pour accompagner la mode africaine.
165 items
Fashion Accessories
A five piece Maasai beaded set in navy blue. One multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and a pair of drop earrings, strung by hand in Kiambu. Includes one multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and one pair of drop earrings. Navy is the one you can wear to work. The rest of this range is built to be seen from across a room, which is exactly right for a wedding and exactly wrong for a Tuesday. Navy does the opposite. It reads as jewellery rather than as an occasion, so it sits with a suit, a plain shirt or a dark dress without announcing itself before you do. It is also the easiest piece in the range to wear if you are new to beadwork. Navy sits close enough to black that the shape and the scale register before the colour does, so a collar this size stops feeling like a leap and starts feeling like a good necklace. The necklace is worked in multiple beaded strands and fastens at the back with a clasp and a short extender chain, so you can set it high on the collarbone or let it drop. The bracelets and earrings carry the same beadwork in the same order, which is what makes five separate pieces read as one set rather than five things that happen to match. Wear the necklace with a single bracelet for everyday, or all five pieces when you want the full effect. Strung and bound by hand in Kiambu. Every strand is counted out bead by bead rather than measured, so the beadwork shifts a little from set to set and from the photographs. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water, all of which dull the beads and weaken the cord. Store the necklace flat or hanging rather than folded into a box so the strands do not tangle, and wipe with a dry soft cloth after wearing.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A handmade brass ankh pendant on a black cord necklace. The ankh hangs from a small brass ring beneath a neat wrapped knot, and two sliding knots at the back let you raise or lower it, so it can sit at the collarbone or lower on the chest. The maker gives the length as 30cm, adjustable. Each pendant is finished by hand: photos 1 and 2 show a hammered surface that catches the light, photo 3 a smoother one. Care: brass darkens naturally over time; rub it with a soft dry cloth to bring back the shine, and keep the cord dry.
Sold by AfroGlam Jewels • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A necklace of handmade cream Krobo glass beads on a tied cotton cord. The beads are barrel shaped, about 2cm each, with a short looped drop of matching beads at the centre front, and the strand is about 60cm long. In plain cream it goes with almost anything, and the soft matte finish lets the handmade texture of every bead show. Krobo beadmaking is one of Ghana's celebrated bead making traditions: artisans turn glass into beads through a painstaking process of crushing, moulding, firing, shaping and polishing, so subtle differences between individual beads are part of their character. It suits everyday wear and cultural occasions alike, for men or women. If you would rather have colour, the same maker's Krobo glass bead bracelet comes in yellow, green or red. Wipe clean with a dry cloth and keep away from perfumes and sprays.
Sold by GOLDEN HERITAGE AFRICA GALLERY • Cape Coast
Fashion Accessories
Handmade beaded flower earrings in white and gold seed beads, built up into a full rounded bloom with a single amber faceted stone at the centre, on gold plated hooks. These are the dressed up pair in this maker's range. White and gold reads as wedding and occasion rather than everyday, and the stone at the centre gives them a focal point that the flat beaded pairs do not have. The flower is worked in the round rather than flat, so it sits proud of the ear and catches light from the side as well as the front. Neema means grace in Swahili. The maker gives the flower as 3.5cm across. The hook sits above that. Every bead is threaded by hand, so no two flowers pack quite the same way and the pair will differ slightly from each other, which is how you know they were made rather than moulded. Keep them away from perfume, and store them flat.
Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A five piece Maasai beaded set on lilac purple, with yellow sawtooth points and bands of orange, green, turquoise and yellow. Necklace, three bracelets and earrings. Includes one multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and one pair of drop earrings. Purple is close to unheard of in this kind of beadwork, and lilac more so. The traditional palette runs to red, blue, green, white and black, so a pastel ground like this is a modern choice rather than an old one. That is the reason to buy it. Almost nobody else will be wearing one. It behaves differently from the rest of the range too. Every other set puts bright colour on a strong ground, so the whole piece pushes forward at you. Lilac pulls the other way. The bands still carry orange, green and turquoise, but they sit on something gentle, so this reads as decorative rather than as a statement you have to commit to for the whole evening. The points are picked out in yellow here rather than black, which is unusual. Most of the beadwork in this range uses black to cut the ground. This one uses yellow, so the sawtooth reads as a warm flare instead of a hard edge. It sits well with white, cream, grey, denim and the softer summer colours. Against hard black it loses the point of itself. The necklace is worked in multiple beaded strands and fastens at the back with a gold tone clasp and a short extender chain, so you can set it high on the collarbone or let it drop. The bracelets and earrings carry the same beads in the same colour order, which is what makes five separate pieces read as one set. Wear the necklace with a single bracelet for everyday, or all five pieces when you want the full effect. Strung and bound by hand in Kiambu, so the spacing of the points and the colour bands varies slightly from set to set and from the photographs. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water, all of which dull the beads and weaken the cord. Pale grounds mark more easily than dark ones, so put the set on last and take it off first. Store the necklace flat or hanging rather than folded into a box, and wipe with a dry soft cloth after wearing.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
African Beaded Maasai Sandals bring together genuine leather, colourful beadwork and a long, comfortable women's fit. The rasta-inspired yellow, red and green palette gives the pair a bold statement look, while the handmade finish keeps it grounded in everyday wearability. Ideal for shoppers searching for African beaded sandals, Maasai sandals, women's handmade leather shoes and colourful artisan footwear with a distinctive cultural edge.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A maroon canvas tote bag with a bold African print panel down the front. The body is a sturdy maroon canvas. A strip of multicoloured geometric print, in yellow, orange, red, pink and sky blue on black, runs from the top edge to the base, and the same print frames both bottom corners. Two black webbing straps carry it on the shoulder. There is room for your daily essentials, a laptop or the weekly market shop, and it measures 45 x 35 x 15 cm. The shape is plain and practical, and the single stripe of print is what makes it yours: it sits as easily with work clothes as with a weekend outfit. If you prefer texture, the same maker also makes crochet bags. Handmade in Kenya.
Sold by Majda'sStore • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Handmade beaded flower earrings in white seed beads, with gold beaded stamens radiating from a faceted gold centre, on gold tone hooks. Nuru means light in Swahili, and these are the brightest thing in the range. The petals are beaded solid while the gold runs out between them in fine lines, so the flower reads clearly from across a room rather than turning into a blur. White and gold is wedding and occasion territory. If you want the same flower in the Kenyan flag colours, the other Nuru Bloom pair is beaded in red, green, black and white. The maker gives the flower as 4cm across. Every bead is threaded by hand, so the two flowers differ a little from each other. Keep them away from perfume, and store them flat.
Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Handmade beaded drop earrings in a pointed leaf shape, worked in white seed beads with a gold beaded outline and a gold line tracing the shape again inside, on plated hooks. Zuri means beautiful in Swahili, and these are the restrained pair in the range. There is no stone and no pattern, just two colours and a shape, which is why they carry from daytime to evening better than the flower pairs do. The drop is open at the centre rather than filled, so they are light on the ear and they move when you do. White and gold sits against almost anything, and it is the safer of the two colourways if most of your wardrobe is already busy. If your wardrobe runs dark, the black and gold Zuri is the better buy of the two. The maker gives the drop as 6cm by 3cm. Every bead is threaded by hand, so the two earrings differ a little from each other. Keep them away from perfume, and store them flat.
Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Faceted crystal effect button stud earrings on clear plastic posts, sold as one pair in fuchsia pink, teal green or baby pink. From a step away these read as cut stones. Up close you can see they are buttons, and that gap between the two is the whole idea of the collection. Every other pair in the line has a flat or painted face, so if you want the maker's joke in a version that catches the light, this is the one to pick. The faces are moulded with real facets rather than printed to look faceted, so they throw light the way glass does. The posts and butterfly backs are clear plastic rather than metal. The second photograph shows all six loose, including one turned over, which is the best look at the fitting and at the true size. Wipe with a dry cloth and keep them out of hot water.
Sold by LEŌN & CISCA • Ibadan
Fashion Accessories
Handmade beaded drop earrings in a pointed leaf shape, worked in black seed beads with a gold beaded outline and a gold line tracing the shape again inside, on plated hooks. Zuri means beautiful in Swahili. This is the evening half of the pair of colourways: black and gold does the same job as the white version but reads sharper against a dark outfit, where white can disappear. The drop is open at the centre rather than filled, so they stay light on the ear and move as you do. Black and gold is also the more forgiving colourway if you wear a lot of print, because it holds its own without competing. If most of what you wear is pale, the white and gold Zuri is the one to look at instead. The maker gives the drop as 6cm by 3cm. Every bead is threaded by hand, so the two earrings differ a little from each other. Keep them away from perfume, and store them flat.
Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A handmade crochet crossbody bag in mustard, cream and dark brown, from Kenya. The body is crocheted in three bold bands, mustard at the top, cream through the middle and dark brown at the base, and an embroidered patch of red flowers and green leaves is sewn onto the cream band. A zip closes the top and the inside is lined in soft white fabric. The brown faux leather strap clips on with bronze tone swivel clasps and has a buckle, so it adjusts to wear on the shoulder or across the body. The bag is about 22cm by 20cm and the strap adjusts up to 120cm, as the maker gives it. This is a single bag, made by an independent maker in Kenya.
Sold by Majda'sStore • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Flat wooden button stud earrings with two stitch holes, sold as one pair in pink, yellow or a natural animal print. These are the flattest earrings in the collection. The buttons have no raised rim, so they lie almost level against the ear, which makes them the pair to reach for when you want the width of a statement stud without anything standing proud of your face. The animal print pair is the one that goes with everything, because it is a wood tone first and a pattern second. They are cut from wood, so the grain shows at the cut edge and no two faces take the paint quite the same way. The markings on the natural pair are irregular rather than machine even, so the two earrings in that pair are close but not identical. The post is fixed to the back of the button, so nothing shows from the front. Keep them dry. Wood and water do not agree, so take them off before washing your face.
Sold by LEŌN & CISCA • Ibadan
Fashion
A small full grain cowhide leather crossbody bag in tan brown, with a top handle and an adjustable shoulder strap. The Mtalii is an everyday bag for men, the lighter and warmer of the store's two colours, the one that reads casual with denim and travel clothes. It stands upright and slim, so it sits close at the hip and carries your everyday essentials without bulk. The leather has a waxy finish with lighter edges and natural shading. Each bag passes through several artisans' hands and is assembled and inspected by Hellen Nduku, founder of the Kenyan brand Kifaru Leather. The Kifaru rhino mark is embossed on the front pocket. Details Full grain cowhide leather Zipped main compartment across the top, with two pulls A zipped pocket across the top of the front, a second zipped pocket on the front panel and a zipped pocket on the back The maker lists several compartments inside Top carry handle and an adjustable shoulder strap with a metal buckle Leather tag on a cord Size: about 23cm high, 18cm wide and 7cm deep Care: wipe clean with a soft dry cloth and keep it away from direct heat. If you prefer a darker bag that hides wear, the Kahawia is the same bag in dark coffee brown.
Sold by Kifaru Leather • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A hand crocheted hat with a deep ruffled brim that frames the face. The crown is worked in close rows of crochet and the brim finishes in a full ruffle that sits in loose waves around the head, so it is the one bright thing an outfit needs with a plain top or a simple dress. Choose Multicoloured for a hat striped in bright mixed colours with a contrasting ruffle, as in the first photograph, or One colour for a hat worked in a single shade, like the black one in the second photograph. For One colour, message the seller after ordering with the colour you would like. Each hat is crocheted to order by hand, so the stripe order and colour mix on a multicoloured hat will differ from the photographs. It is one size, made to fit an adult head. If you would rather have a soft, fluffy ruffle, the same maker's purple Crochet Ruffled Hat is worked in a fleecy lilac yarn.
Sold by Stellz.Crochets • Lagos
Fashion
A small full grain cowhide leather crossbody bag in dark coffee brown, with a top handle and an adjustable shoulder strap. The Kahawia is an everyday bag for men, the darkest of the store's two colours, which keeps it looking smart and hides the marks of daily use. It stands upright and slim, so it sits close at the hip and carries your everyday essentials without bulk. The leather has a waxy finish with lighter edges and natural shading. Each bag passes through several artisans' hands and is assembled and inspected by Hellen Nduku, founder of the Kenyan brand Kifaru Leather. The Kifaru rhino mark is embossed on the front pocket. Details Full grain cowhide leather Zipped main compartment across the top, with two pulls A zipped pocket across the top of the front, a second zipped pocket on the front panel and a zipped pocket on the back The maker lists several compartments inside Top carry handle and an adjustable shoulder strap with a metal buckle Leather tag on a cord Size: about 23cm high, 18cm wide and 7cm deep Care: wipe clean with a soft dry cloth and keep it away from direct heat. If you prefer a warmer, lighter colour, the Mtalii is the same bag in tan.
Sold by Kifaru Leather • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A handmade crochet shoulder bag in brown cotton t-shirt yarn, from Kenya. The chunky yarn is worked in rows of plain stitches broken by bands of raised puff stitches, and a wide crocheted strap is worked into the body so the bag sits comfortably on the shoulder. A tassel of brown cord hangs at the top edge, threaded with pale blue beads and blue evil eye beads. Inside, a toggle and loop close the top, and the bag is roomy enough for daily essentials. The maker gives the size as 27cm wide, 24cm high and 10cm deep. This is a single bag, made by an independent maker in Kenya.
Sold by Majda'sStore • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A blue beaded tassel necklace with a round polished disc at the front. A rigid collar, tightly wrapped in royal blue, closes at the back with a gold tone hook between two cone end caps. From the front of the collar hangs a round disc in cream, honey and dark brown tones, its rim stitched through with fine wire, and from the disc falls a long tassel of loose blue bead strands with a narrower band of red, gold and amber strands down the middle. The colour and movement make it a statement piece for festivals, cultural occasions and evenings out, and it sits best over a plain top or dress. Made from beads, thread and decorative cord. Store it flat or hanging so the strands do not tangle, and keep it away from water and perfume.
Sold by Tribal Shop • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Bold, wavy statement earrings handmade from polymer clay. Each earring is one rope of clay looped into flowing curves, so the pair makes a playful, artistic shape that stands out without trying too hard. The maker shapes every pair by hand and finishes it with stainless steel findings they describe as hypoallergenic, which keeps a big earring light and comfortable. Because each pair is made by hand, no two are exactly the same. Choose from pink, yellow, mint green, golden yellow or orange. The photograph shows the pink pair; the other colours are the same design and are not pictured. Size: 7cm, as measured by the maker. Material: polymer clay with stainless steel findings. Handmade in Nigeria.
Sold by Sylviora Clay Jewelry • Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
A silver beaded handbag with a boxy body, a rounded beaded top handle and a beaded bow at one side. Hundreds of round, mirror bright silver beads are set by hand into a firm shape that keeps its form and catches the light from every angle. The bow is worked in the same silver beads, so the whole bag reads as one shimmering colour. The top is open, like a small basket, with the handle arching over it. Size: 25cm by 25cm, as given by the maker. Care: wipe with a soft, dry cloth and store it upright so the shape holds. Keep it away from sharp objects that could catch the thread.
Sold by Craftchiczm • Zambia
Fashion Accessories
A white beaded handbag with a rounded body, a beaded top handle and a turquoise flower. Every bead is set by hand, clear faceted beads with soft white centres woven into a firm, rounded shape that catches the light from every side. The turquoise flower sits where the handle meets the body, the one splash of colour on an otherwise all white piece, so it works with a wedding guest outfit as easily as with summer linen. The top is open, with room for a phone, keys and a lipstick. Size: width 23cm, length 26cm, as given by the maker. Care: wipe with a soft, dry cloth and store it upright or flat so the shape holds. Keep it away from sharp objects that could catch the thread.
Sold by Craftchiczm • Zambia
Guide d'achat
Les accessoires sont le moyen le plus simple de faire entrer l'artisanat africain dans une garde-robe de tous les jours. Les perles de taille portent des siècles de sens dans la culture ouest-africaine : on les porte pour célébrer, pour être à l'écoute de son corps, ou simplement parce qu'elles sont belles. Les bijoux faits main vont des pièces fortes en laiton recyclé aux délicates perles maasaï, tandis que les sacs en cuir et les cabas doublés d'Ankara marient matériaux traditionnels et formes modernes.
Quand vous choisissez des bijoux ou des perles faits main, les petites variations font partie de l'intérêt : deux rangs de perles de verre cuites à la main ne sont jamais identiques, et le laiton se pare d'une patine chaude en le portant. Les photos montrent une pièce représentative, et les notes de l'artisan signalent tout ce qui peut varier.
Tout ce qui figure dans cette catégorie est expédié dans le monde entier par des artisans indépendants, et comme les accessoires voyagent léger, ils comptent parmi les cadeaux les plus appréciés sur Sokofa.
Questions fréquentes
Sokofa (sokofa.com) est une place de marché en ligne d'accessoires africains faits main : perles de taille, bijoux en laiton recyclé, perles maasaï, sacs en cuir et cabas doublés d'Ankara, vendus directement par les artisans africains qui les fabriquent. Chaque produit est examiné avant sa mise en ligne, les articles sont expédiés dans le monde entier avec un paiement sécurisé, et si un article arrive endommagé, erroné ou non conforme à sa description, contactez le service client dans les 48 heures suivant la livraison pour organiser un retour ou un remboursement.
Les perles de taille sont une tradition ouest-africaine que l'on porte autour de la taille ou des hanches, historiquement pour la féminité, la célébration et la conscience du corps, et aujourd'hui aussi tout simplement comme bijou. La plupart sont enfilées sur commande : mesurez l'endroit où vous voulez qu'elles se placent et choisissez cette longueur, à porter sous ou sur les vêtements, comme vous préférez.
Les matériaux courants sont le laiton recyclé, les perles de verre cuites à la main, les cauris, le cuir et les pierres semi-précieuses. Chaque fiche produit indique les matériaux exacts, et comme les pièces sont faites main, de petites différences par rapport à la photo sont normales.
Ce sont parmi les articles les plus offerts sur Sokofa : légers à expédier, faciles à offrir sans se soucier de la taille, et chacun s'accompagne de l'histoire de l'artisan qui l'a créé. La collection Cadeaux à moins de 50 £ est un bon point de départ.
Gardez le laiton au sec et polissez-le de temps en temps avec un chiffon doux : une patine qui s'intensifie est naturelle et beaucoup l'adorent. Rangez les perles à plat ou suspendues pour protéger le fil, et tenez les deux à l'écart du parfum et de l'eau salée.
