Bone Carved Pendant Necklace – Uganda Tribal Jewelry

A bone carved pendant necklace from Uganda is a raw and beautiful piece of wearable art. Made by hand by skilled bone-carvers using ethically sourced animal bone, these pendants feature gorilla portraits, African wildlife silhouettes, and traditional tribal symbols carved in fine detail.

Materials and Ethics

Uganda’s bone carvers work exclusively with ethically sourced bone from domestic animals – primarily cattle and goat bone from local butcheries. No wildlife bone is used. The raw bone is cleaned, bleached in the sun, and then shaped and carved using hand tools. The natural cream and white tones of the bone give finished pendants a warm, organic beauty.

Some carvers use bone from ethically sourced hippo or water buffalo, producing larger pendant pieces with a denser, heavier feel. Always ask the seller about the source of bone to ensure you are buying ethically.

Pendant Designs

• Silverback gorilla face – the most popular design, carved in fine detail
• Mountain gorilla silhouette – bold profile outline on oval bone disc
• Elephant and wildlife motifs
• African tribal masks and geometric symbols
• Batwa forest scenes – depicting the indigenous forest people of Bwindi

How They Are Worn

Pendants are typically strung on leather cord, waxed cotton cord, or a beaded chain. They sit well as a single statement pendant or layered with beaded necklaces. The bone carving is lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear.

Prices range from $5 to $20 USD. Available at Bwindi craft stalls and Kampala craft markets.

See all Uganda jewelry and crafts.

Where to Buy Authentic Souvenirs in Uganda

The best place to find authentic Ugandan souvenirs is at local craft markets rather than airport shops. Kampala’s Owino Market and Nakasero Market offer a wide range of handmade items at negotiable prices. The Crafts Village near the National Theatre stocks high-quality pieces vetted by local artisan cooperatives.

Near gorilla trekking areas, the Bwindi Community Experiences centre in Buhoma sells crafts made by the Batwa community — purchasing here directly supports indigenous families who have historically been displaced from the forest. The quality of Batwa baskets and carvings is exceptional.

In Kampala, the Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited shop near Nakasero Hill is a reliable fixed-price destination — no haggling required, and the cooperative model guarantees fair wages to artisans. It’s ideal if you prefer a straightforward purchasing experience.

Rwanda’s Kimironko Market in Kigali is the largest crafts market in the country, selling woven baskets (agaseke), wooden carvings, and traditional fabrics. The Caplaki Crafts Village near Hotel des Mille Collines has a curated selection at slightly higher prices.

Tips for buying: inspect quality carefully, ask about materials, and don’t hesitate to compare prices across stalls before committing. Genuine handmade items will show slight imperfections — these are signs of authenticity, not defects.

Most Meaningful Souvenirs to Bring Home

Gorilla-themed artwork is the obvious choice — Uganda and Rwanda produce excellent wooden carvings, paintings, and prints featuring mountain gorillas and other African wildlife. Look for pieces made by local artists rather than mass-produced imports. The quality difference is immediately visible.

Woven baskets (ebigenge in Uganda, agaseke in Rwanda) are lightweight, durable, and genuinely handmade. Rwandan peace baskets with their distinctive spiral patterns are UNESCO-recognized crafts. A medium basket packs flat in your luggage and makes a functional, beautiful keepsake.

Ugandan bark cloth (lubugo) is one of the oldest craft traditions in Africa — inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Made from the mutuba fig tree without cutting the tree down, bark cloth is sustainable and unique. Small items (table mats, bags) are practical to carry.

Coffee: Uganda grows some of the finest Arabica coffee in the world. Single-origin Ugandan coffee from the Rwenzori Mountains or Mt. Elgon area is available in vacuum-sealed bags that travel well. Rwandan coffee (Kivu region) is equally excellent and widely available in Kigali.

Kangas and kikoi (East African printed fabrics) are versatile — used as sarongs, table cloths, or wall hangings. Each design tells a story through Swahili proverbs printed in the border. Lightweight and packable, they’re among the most practical souvenirs from East Africa.

Buying authentic Ugandan souvenirs is one of the most meaningful ways to extend the impact of your gorilla trekking visit. Every purchase from a local artisan or cooperative directly supports the communities living alongside the national parks — people who are essential partners in gorilla conservation.

Whether you choose a hand-woven basket, a carved wooden figurine, locally grown coffee, or traditional fabric, these items carry a story home. They remind you of an extraordinary experience and connect your living room to the forests of East Africa long after the journey ends.