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.