A bold embrace of texture and tradition, this Ghanaian necklace features layers of deep red leather cord crowned with polished horn ovals—each one unique, each one rooted in the earth.
- Design: Multi-cord collar-style necklace with three central polished horn discs wrapped in red leather
- Material: Leather cords with natural horn inlays
- Size: 18" length | 2" wide
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Ghana
This handcrafted piece is a striking blend of minimalism and strength. Smooth horn elements—each with its own organic grain and tone—are carefully wrapped in dyed leather and anchored between rows of vibrant red leather cords. The silhouette evokes traditional African regalia while offering a contemporary, wearable form perfect for both structured outfits and flowing textiles.
Care & Disclaimer: Crafted using natural horn and leather; slight color and texture variations are part of its handmade nature. Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight. Store flat to maintain shape.
design: A bold collar-style necklace built from dozens of fine, red-dyed leather cords gathered into a curved bib shape, anchored at center by three polished horn ovals each wrapped in a band of the same red leather.
size: 18" length, 2" wide
material: Dyed leather cord and natural horn
features: Multi-strand layered cord construction, three polished horn discs as a focal centerpiece, hand-wrapped leather binding on each horn piece, natural grain and tone variation in the horn
care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth and store the necklace flat, away from moisture and direct sunlight, to help the leather and horn hold their color and shape.
disclaimer: Because the horn is a natural material and the leather is hand-dyed and hand-wrapped, slight variations in color, grain, and texture from piece to piece are normal and part of its handmade character.
The Story
Layered cord collar necklaces like this one are a long-standing form in West African adornment, where necklaces are often built up from many thin strands rather than a single chain — creating volume, movement, and a strong silhouette at the collarbone. Here, dozens of individually dyed leather cords are gathered into that collar shape, a construction method that turns a humble material into something substantial and architectural.
The horn ovals at the center reflect a broader regional practice of working with natural, locally available materials — horn, bone, seed, and wood — rather than only metal or glass. Each oval keeps its own grain and coloring, so no two necklaces read quite the same way, which is part of what makes horn a valued material for centerpiece work rather than a flaw to be corrected.
Wrapping the horn in strips of the same red leather used in the cords ties the centerpiece back into the body of the necklace, a detail that shows real thought in construction rather than a horn bead simply strung on and left to sit apart from the rest of the piece.
A piece like this starts with raw horn, cut into oval blanks and sanded and polished by hand until the natural grain comes through and the edges are smooth against the skin. Leather is cut into narrow cords and dyed in small batches, which is part of why the red tone can vary slightly from one necklace to the next. The maker then gathers many cords together by hand, layering and knotting them into the curved collar shape before wrapping bands of leather around each horn oval to lock the three centerpieces into place at the front of the necklace.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Ghana
- Ideal For: Someone who wants a statement necklace with warm color and real material texture, not another thin metal chain
- Wear It With: Let it be the focal point over a simple solid-color top, tunic, or flowing dress
- Purpose: Statement necklace, special-occasion wear, gifting
Questions & Answers
What is this necklace made from?
Dozens of dyed red leather cords layered into a collar shape, with three polished natural horn ovals at the center, each wrapped in a band of the same leather. It's handmade in Ghana.
Will the color rub off on my skin or clothing?
The cord is hand-dyed leather, so some color transfer is possible with heavy wear or in humid conditions, especially against light-colored fabric. Wiping the necklace down after wearing helps minimize this.
Why does the horn look a little different on each disc?
Horn is a natural material, so grain, tone, and marking vary piece to piece. That variation is expected and is part of what makes each necklace one of a kind rather than a defect.
How do I take care of it?
Keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight, wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth, and store it flat so the cords and horn keep their shape.
How does it fit and sit on the neck?
It's an 18-inch, 2-inch-wide collar designed to sit close to the base of the neck as a structured statement piece.
