October 15, 2010

Urban ethnicity

Of all the projects at the Ateneo School of Management Business Accelerator (SOMBA) Program fair last week, Ethnu was the one that made me weak in the knees, with their neo-ethnic jewelry. The materials—stone and shell beads, brass bells—are sourced from the tribes that inspired the jewelry, but the designs, created by fashion designer Louis Claparols, are very modern. They currently have three beautifully-named collections which showcase the intricate work of three Philippine ethnic tribes. On the left is Brass Dreamweavers, from the T'boli of Southern Mindanao. On the higher table at the right is People of the Earth, from the Ifugao. On the lower table is Peacock Warriors, from the Kalinga. The Ifugao and the Kalinga are two of several ethnic groups in the mountainous Cordillera region of Luzon which are known collectively as Igorot. If only for purely selfish reasons (I want those necklaces!), I want this company to succeed, but of course, it's much more than that. Any company that can bring Philippine ethnic accessories and fabrics to the world stage has my support, especially if that company applies fair trade principles in their dealings with these usually marginalized and exploited ethnic groups.

Ethnu, neo-ethnic jewelry

Ethnu is the brand of Ethnocentricity Incorporated. They are on Facebook and can also be emailed at ethnuaccessories@gmail.com.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am surprised that someone has not already usurped their business intentions. I enlarged the picture and had a better look at their wares.

Anonymous said...

In my opinion, one of the best so far of this serie. Surely much needed colour in nowadays big cities.

Please have a good Friday you all.

daily athens

gogouci said...

Lovely spokespeople for a beautiful line of jewelry. Have a wonderful weekend.

Olivier said...

le commerce equitable devient a la mode en France et je trouve que c'est une tres bonne initiative

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Excellent post. My wife and I like to support indigenous cultures in our own small way be collecting indigenous art during our travels around the world.

Francisca said...

Maganda, talaga!

Cezar and Léia said...

The idea behind is also great, and I think their work is beautiful!
Léia

Fristine said...

I couldn't stop myself from buying the necklace from Ifugao, their People of the Earth collection. I'm wearing it to my wedding.