Timeless jewelry pieces from African high culture at Fulaba

November 25, 2015

As a first generation American, whose parents are from Guinea, Haby Barry was born in Brooklyn, but grew up in New York and Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor's degree in Music Business from NYU and has spent her career in marketing, media, entertainment and advertising. Although she now resides in Oakland, CA, she has always been very passionate about Africa, as well as the African diaspora, and is interested in making a positive impact in the global community.

6 months ago, Haby launched Fulaba with the intent of bringing exclusive handmade jewelry that represents African high culture with Fulani earrings and bracelets. "Fulaba is all about promoting timeless jewelry pieces from African high culture." At the same time, Haby's goal is to expand economic opportunities in Guinea through her business. The jewelry is made by local artisans who have a strong knowledge and know-how in properly hand making the Fulani earrings and bracelets. They are able to produce orders and gain a new source of income, which helps to support their families.

Fulani earrings have been a tradition of the Fulani people for centuries and women of the royal class wore them in solid gold as a sign of wealth and nobility. They each have a unique twist, which in the native Fulani language is called bhoylé. The bigger the Fulani earrings and the more gold and jewelry a Fulani woman had the more wealth she had. Similarly, the Fulani bracelets are part of the same tradition and have a tighter twist, which in the Fulani language is called moullé.

As for travelling, Haby's favourite place to travel to is in West Africa. "It’s hard to choose but I really enjoyed Plage de Bel Air in Guinea. The sand was shaped like flat rocks and after you stepped on it, there would be an imprint but it would quickly go back to its flat rock-like shape." In terms of where she would like to visit in the future, "there are so many places I have to visit!...It’s important for me to go to Pita to gain more familiarity with my roots and I want to see the land where my ancestors grew up. I have actually never been to East Africa and Zanzibar is so beautiful and tropical so I definitely want to spend some time there for vacation."

As a creative person, artist at heart and deep music lover, Haby is inspired by Miriam Makeba who gave all of her heart and soul and poured it into her music. "[Miriam] was about her people and an African icon. She introduced African music to the world and she always remained true to herself. She used her power and influence for upliftment."

Through Fulaba, Haby's vision is to connect people with timeless pieces that have intrinsic meaning and value deeply rooted in African high culture - the times of African empires and its kings and queens. "I want Fulaba to be a part of owning the narrative of Africa and projecting positive images of our people and the continent."

Fulaba's current product line includes Fulani earrings and bracelets that are copper dipped in 22k gold and pure silver and a higher quality version of the Fulani earrings that are heavy gold plated with 23k gold. All of our products are available for purchase at www.fulaba.com. At the moment, they ship to the US and Canada but will be expanding to ship globally sometime early next year. For exciting news and special offers, subscribe to their newsletter at: https://www.fulaba.com/subscribe-to-fulaba/

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