The Bangles

S/M is circa 60mm (inner diameter)
M/L is circa 65mm (inner diameter)

The bangles are supposed to sit a bit loose. They are bendable/ flexible in shape and easy to put on (they do not stretch)

Material: Aluminium
Made in South Africa.
Can be worn in water.

The Bangles come from the VhaVenḓa people from Venda in South Africa. Made through skills passed down generationally, they are original crafts of the VhaVenda people created two centuries ago by the Venda men who wanted to impress the women of their village. If the woman was not married, she would wear one bangle as a sign of proposal, and if the woman was married, she would wear many on both her arms and ankles.

Venda culture is based on royalty and creativity and was ruled by a traditional King. The Venda people moved from Central Africa to what is now called South Africa. During apartheid, Venda, a Bantustan in northern South Africa, was created in a region fairly close to the South African border with Zimbabwe to the north, and was founded by the South African government as a homeland for the Venda people and speakers of the Venda language. Although considered independent, the Venda would lose their South African Citizenship as a result of being segregated into this new state, and The United Nations and the broader international community refused to recognise it as legitimate.

In 1994, post-apartheid, Venda was reincorporated into South Africa under the Venda or Vendaland.

Made by both men and women of working age, this cultural symbol has become an economic tool for the communities of Venda.

Our support helps fund their project to continue cultural, social and business development for the young and old generation of Venda and South Africans.