Ekori Resurgence Jewellery Collection
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Accessory: Jewelry
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Jean-Claude Tjitamunisa
Other Contributor(s):Frieda Lühl - Jewellery Making Instructor
Photo Credit:Jean-Claude Tjitamunisa
Project Location:Namibia
Design Status:Prototype
Website: View
Project Description:
This jewellery collection represents one of many forthcoming manifestations of an ongoing exploration and reclaiming of OtjiHerero culture, history, and identity. It investigates adornment as a living archive, translating memory and heritage into contemporary sculptural forms. Each piece functions as both cultural ornament and symbolic structure, inviting dialogue between past and present. Initially submitted as a concept to the 2024 De Beers Shining Light Awards, placing 2nd (for 1st prize), since then, the development process has expanded beyond concept into practice. Dedicated study in jewellery-making techniques in 2025 has led to the creation of handmade prototypes of the ring and earrings, crafted without gemstones to refine structure, proportion, and wearability. This progression from idea to skill acquisition reflects a long-term commitment to material mastery, design evolution, and the continued articulation of cultural narratives through design.
This jewellery collection represents one of many forthcoming manifestations of an ongoing exploration and reclaiming of OtjiHerero culture, history, and identity. It investigates adornment as a living archive, translating memory and heritage into contemporary sculptural forms. Each piece functions as both cultural ornament and symbolic structure, inviting dialogue between past and present. Initially submitted as a concept to the 2024 De Beers Shining Light Awards, placing 2nd (for 1st prize), since then, the development process has expanded beyond concept into practice. Dedicated study in jewellery-making techniques in 2025 has led to the creation of handmade prototypes of the ring and earrings, crafted without gemstones to refine structure, proportion, and wearability. This progression from idea to skill acquisition reflects a long-term commitment to material mastery, design evolution, and the continued articulation of cultural narratives through design.
Project Innovation / Specification:
A contemporary jewellery collection that reinterprets a historically wearable cultural form as a symbol of strength, resilience, and cultural continuity. The project innovates by translating the precolonial OvaHerero women’s headpiece into sculptural, modular jewellery pieces: ring, earrings, and a 2-in-1 brooch-hairpin, designed for both ceremonial and everyday expression. Each piece functions as a cultural artefact and a modern design talisman, bridging ancestral knowledge with 21st-century craftsmanship. The design motifs reference matrilineal power and cattle horns, abstracted into minimalist forms that maintain cultural legibility and relevance. The collection will integrate locally sourced metals, and gemstones, combined with digital modelling, precision casting, and handcrafted production to ensure consistency. Sustainable-ethical production will guide material selection and fabrication methods. This collection positions African jewellery not as ethnographic ornamentation, but as luxury design rooted in intellectual heritage. The project contributes to cultural preservation and contemporary African discourse.
A contemporary jewellery collection that reinterprets a historically wearable cultural form as a symbol of strength, resilience, and cultural continuity. The project innovates by translating the precolonial OvaHerero women’s headpiece into sculptural, modular jewellery pieces: ring, earrings, and a 2-in-1 brooch-hairpin, designed for both ceremonial and everyday expression. Each piece functions as a cultural artefact and a modern design talisman, bridging ancestral knowledge with 21st-century craftsmanship. The design motifs reference matrilineal power and cattle horns, abstracted into minimalist forms that maintain cultural legibility and relevance. The collection will integrate locally sourced metals, and gemstones, combined with digital modelling, precision casting, and handcrafted production to ensure consistency. Sustainable-ethical production will guide material selection and fabrication methods. This collection positions African jewellery not as ethnographic ornamentation, but as luxury design rooted in intellectual heritage. The project contributes to cultural preservation and contemporary African discourse.
Project Sustainability Approach:
The collection will be guided by sustainability approaches rooted in cultural longevity, ethical production, and environmental responsibility. Sustainability is understood not only as ecological care, but as the preservation and continuation of indigenous knowledge systems through contemporary design. By reinterpreting the OvaHerero Ekori into enduring jewellery forms, the project ensures cultural symbols are carried forward across generations rather than consumed as history. Material sourcing prioritises locally available metals, gemstones, and natural materials, reducing transportation impact while supporting regional value chains. Production combines digital modelling for material efficiency with small-scale, handcrafted processes that minimise waste and allow for controlled manufacturing. Offcuts and excess materials are reintegrated into future designs, reinforcing circular production principles.
The collection will be guided by sustainability approaches rooted in cultural longevity, ethical production, and environmental responsibility. Sustainability is understood not only as ecological care, but as the preservation and continuation of indigenous knowledge systems through contemporary design. By reinterpreting the OvaHerero Ekori into enduring jewellery forms, the project ensures cultural symbols are carried forward across generations rather than consumed as history. Material sourcing prioritises locally available metals, gemstones, and natural materials, reducing transportation impact while supporting regional value chains. Production combines digital modelling for material efficiency with small-scale, handcrafted processes that minimise waste and allow for controlled manufacturing. Offcuts and excess materials are reintegrated into future designs, reinforcing circular production principles.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
This collection will generate meaningful local and regional impact by strengthening the creative and cultural industries while preserving indigenous knowledge. It fosters collaboration with local artisans and material suppliers, supporting skills development, fair compensation, and sustainable livelihoods in Namibia. By prioritizing locally sourced materials and producing timeless, high-quality pieces, the project reinforces regional value chains and increases exports of finished Namibian goods. Culturally, it advances the contemporary visibility of OvaHerero heritage, encouraging pride, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and engagement with indigenous design narratives. Regionally, it positions Namibian jewellery within African and global luxury markets.
This collection will generate meaningful local and regional impact by strengthening the creative and cultural industries while preserving indigenous knowledge. It fosters collaboration with local artisans and material suppliers, supporting skills development, fair compensation, and sustainable livelihoods in Namibia. By prioritizing locally sourced materials and producing timeless, high-quality pieces, the project reinforces regional value chains and increases exports of finished Namibian goods. Culturally, it advances the contemporary visibility of OvaHerero heritage, encouraging pride, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and engagement with indigenous design narratives. Regionally, it positions Namibian jewellery within African and global luxury markets.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Jean-Claude Tjitamunisa
Profile Description:
I am a Namibian award-winning visual artist, and multidisciplinary creative whose work bridges contemporary design with indigenous African knowledge systems. Rooted in exploring my cultural heritage and human experience, my practice explores identity, memory, and cultural evolution through fashion, visual arts, and storytelling. Through Ekori Atelier, I reclaim ancestral symbols and materials, transforming them into modern expressions that honor history while imagining the future. Shortlisted for the DeBeers 2024 Shining Light Awards and designed the Miss Namibia 2025 National Costumes.
I am a Namibian award-winning visual artist, and multidisciplinary creative whose work bridges contemporary design with indigenous African knowledge systems. Rooted in exploring my cultural heritage and human experience, my practice explores identity, memory, and cultural evolution through fashion, visual arts, and storytelling. Through Ekori Atelier, I reclaim ancestral symbols and materials, transforming them into modern expressions that honor history while imagining the future. Shortlisted for the DeBeers 2024 Shining Light Awards and designed the Miss Namibia 2025 National Costumes.
Previous Awards Won:
Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards 2023 Visual Arts
Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards 2023 Visual Arts
