Sokofa Shop
Discover artisan-made bags, jewelry, footwear, and everyday accessories designed to complement African fashion.
164 items
Crafts
A handwoven palm basket bag from Zanzibar, about 60cm wide, with a printed cotton band and centre panel, cloth wrapped handles, small leather tabs and a tie closure. Kapu is the Swahili word for basket, and this is the everyday island shape rather than a version of it redrawn for export. It is wide and shallow and flares open at the top, so a towel, a book and a bottle of water sit side by side instead of stacking on top of each other. That is what you want from a market or beach bag and it is exactly what a narrow tote cannot do. The body is plaited from dried palm leaf, worked in Zanzibar in strips known as ukili. The printed cloth is stitched down the centre front and around the top band, the two handles are wrapped in the same cloth and anchored with small tan leather tabs, and a length of cloth ties the top shut. Choose Kitenge, the bold wax print, or Kikoi, the lighter Swahili coastal cloth. Brush it out rather than washing it, and keep it out of the rain.
Sold by Sunora • Tanzania
Fashion Accessories
A five piece Maasai beaded set in red, with white sawtooth points and bands of blue, orange, yellow and green. Necklace, three bracelets and earrings. Includes one multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and one pair of drop earrings. If Maasai beadwork has a home colour, it is this one. Red dominates Maasai dress and it is the shade most associated with the culture the work comes from. Every other set in this range is a variation on the idea. This is the one that sits closest to the source. It is also the loudest piece here, and it is meant to be. Red at this scale does not accompany an outfit, it decides one. That makes it the wrong choice for an ordinary work day and exactly the right one for a wedding, a naming ceremony, a birthday, or anywhere a photograph is going to be taken. The points are worked in white rather than black, so they flare against the red instead of cutting it. Inside them run bands of blue, orange, yellow and green, each one separated by black. It wants a plain ground and nothing competing with it: white, cream, black, or traditional dress cut in a single colour. Do not put it over a print, because one of the two will lose and it will not be the necklace. The necklace is worked in multiple beaded strands and fastens at the back with a gold tone clasp and a short extender chain, so you can set it high on the collarbone or let it drop. The bracelets and earrings carry the same beads in the same colour order, which is what makes five separate pieces read as one set. Wear the necklace with a single bracelet for everyday, or all five pieces when you want the full effect. Strung and bound by hand in Kiambu, so the spacing of the points and the colour bands varies slightly from set to set and from the photographs. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water, all of which dull the beads and weaken the cord. Store the necklace flat or hanging rather than folded into a box so the strands do not tangle, and wipe with a dry soft cloth after wearing.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A hand beaded Kenyan flag cuff bracelet made in Kenya, in two designs, for wearing the flag to a match, a celebration or every day. You choose the design at checkout. Red cuff: a solid red beaded band with a narrow stripe in the flag colours running across it, and the Maasai shield from the centre of the Kenyan flag worked over the top in red, black and white beads. This is the cuff in the first photograph. Green: the flag itself wrapped around the wrist, wide bands of green, red and black divided by white, with the shield beaded where the stripes meet. It fastens with two black press studs, as the second photograph shows. If you want the flag to read at a glance, choose the green cuff, because it is the whole flag. If you want a bold block of colour that sits well with a plain outfit, choose the red. The maker gives the size as 20cm. It is made from beads and string by hand, so the pattern can vary slightly from cuff to cuff. Keep it dry and store it flat.
Sold by Tribal Shop • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Kunle Leather Tassel Loafers, handmade for men in premium tan top-grain leather. Refined, timeless, and effortlessly sophisticated: the Snugfeet 'KUNLE' Tassel Loafers for Men are handcrafted from premium top grain leather, designed for the modern man who values quality, comfort, and understated luxury. The rich tan leather upper is complemented by contrasting dark brown hand-finished edges, creating a distinctive two-tone detail that elevates the overall look. Finished with classic leather tassels, these loafers deliver a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern elegance. Whether paired with tailored trousers, chinos, or denim, these loafers add instant polish to any outfit.
Sold by SNUGFEET INTERNATIONAL • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
Handmade African beaded sandals crafted from genuine leather and finished with colourful beadwork for a bold, artisan look. These Maasai-inspired sandals are designed for comfort, everyday wear and standout styling, with secure lace-up support and a lightweight feel. A versatile choice for shoppers searching for handmade leather sandals, African-inspired footwear and unique statement shoes.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A handmade tapestry crochet bucket bag in blue and black, from Kenya. The top half is sky blue scattered with small black diamonds that grow larger towards the base, and the lower band is black with diamonds outlined in blue, sitting on a flat round black base. A drawstring closes the top and ends in two black tassels, and a thick braided black strap goes over the shoulder. The stitch is tight and heavy, so the bag holds its shape, and the maker says it is roomy enough for a tablet, a large notebook, a water bottle and a makeup bag. This is a single bag, made by an independent maker in Kenya.
Sold by Majda'sStore • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A handmade brass cuff with a wide hammered disc at its centre and a single natural cowrie shell bound on with fine brass wire. The back is open, so it slips over the wrist and adjusts. Most cowrie jewellery threads a row of small shells onto cord. This sets one whole shell on a hammered brass disc, so the shell reads as a single deliberate focal point rather than a holiday souvenir, and the piece carries an outfit on its own without a second bracelet next to it. The frame is one length of round brass bent into a long teardrop, with the disc fixed where the two ends meet, about 3 inches across by the maker's own measure. The maker also describes the brass as recycled. There is no clasp and no sizing to choose: squeeze the opening gently to close the fit, or ease it wider. Brass darkens as it is worn. Bring the shine back with a soft cloth and keep it dry.
Sold by NICKÉ JEWELRY • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Elevate your everyday look with our handcrafted statement earrings, designed for women who love art, culture, elegance, and originality. Each piece is carefully made with attention to detail, blending creativity with timeless African-inspired beauty. From bold artistic designs to minimalist luxury styles, our earrings are lightweight, stylish, unique, and perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re dressing up for an event, creating content, gifting a loved one, or adding personality to your daily outfit, these earrings are made to stand out beautifully without compromising comfort. Why you’ll love them: • Handmade with premium finishing • Unique artistic and African-inspired designs • Lightweight and comfortable for long wear • Perfect for casual, classy, and occasion styling • Beautiful gift option for fashion lovers Style meets art in every piece. Limited pieces available.
Sold by FOSAC ENTERPRISE • Osun
Fashion Accessories
Custom Branded Souvenir Bags for weddings, birthdays and corporate events. Customized souvenir bags that speak class, beauty, and excellence Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events, and special ceremonies. Each bag is thoughtfully designed to reflect your event theme, making your occasion unforgettable and your brand memorable. We don’t just create souvenir bags… we create lasting impressions. Available in custom designs, branding, colors, and event themes.
Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
African Beaded Sandals are handmade leather shoes finished with colourful beadwork and designed for a comfortable women's fit. The multicoloured strap and artisanal construction give the pair a distinctive statement look that works for casual wear, travel and gift shopping. This listing is a strong match for shoppers searching for handmade African sandals, beaded leather shoes and Maasai-inspired women's footwear with personality.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Dunni Navy Driving Loafers, handmade for men in premium navy genuine leather. Step out in style with these premium navy blue leather loafers, designed for comfort, durability, and timeless elegance. Crafted from high-quality genuine leather, these men’s slip-on loafers feature a smooth finish with detailed contrast stitching that adds a refined touch to the classic design. These handmade leather loafers are built for everyday versatility. The easy slip-on design makes them practical for daily wear, while the soft inner lining and flexible sole provide long-lasting comfort. Perfect for work, travel, weekends, or smart casual occasions, these men’s leather driving shoes pair effortlessly with jeans, chinos, or tailored trousers. Designed for modern style and practicality, these luxury leather loafers combine minimalist design with premium craftsmanship, making them an excellent addition to any wardrobe.
Sold by SNUGFEET INTERNATIONAL • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
Handmade beaded flower earrings with petals in red, white, green and black, the Kenyan flag colours, beaded around a faceted gold centre, on gold tone hooks. Nuru means light in Swahili. This is the flag version of the Nuru Bloom, and it is the more interesting of the two to look at, because each petal is a different colour rather than the whole flower being one, so the shape reads as a flower first and the flag second. That is the useful part. It carries Kenya without being a flag pinned to your ear, which is the difference between wearing it once and wearing it often. If you would rather have it plain, the white and gold Nuru Bloom is the same flower in one colour. The maker gives the flower as 4cm across. Every bead is threaded by hand, so the two flowers differ a little from each other. Keep them away from perfume, and store them flat.
Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A royal blue evening bag covered in long silky tassels, with a circular handle beaded in matching blue crystals and a satin lining gathered at the top. The whole point of this one is movement. The tassels are cut long enough to swing when you walk, which is why it reads as a column rather than as a box. If the rest of your outfit is plain, this is the Mlumun bag that does the work. The handle is a single closed ring, threaded bead by bead rather than glued, and the body is built on a firm base so the tassels hang straight instead of bunching. Both photographs show the same bag, from the front and from the side. Keep the tassels out of the rain and comb them straight with your fingers if they twist. Store it upright.
Sold by Mlumun • Lagos, Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
Complete your traditional Nigerian look with this handmade Agbada beads set, crafted for the modern African man. The set features three long beaded necklaces and three matching bracelets, made from premium Brazilian coral, natural stone beads, sparkling crystal beads and polished gold ball beads. Perfect for weddings, naming ceremonies, festivals and special occasions, this elegant accessory set adds authentic African style and cultural heritage to your agbada, kaftan or senator outfit. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans, making it a meaningful gift and a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
Sold by Lolari Glamour • Abuja
Fashion
A handwoven sisal basket tote from Kenya, banded in rust, tan and dark brown, with two natural leather shoulder straps and a flat oval base. The straps are cut long enough to sit on the shoulder, which is what separates this from the short handled market baskets most people picture. It carries hands free, over a coat, and the body stays soft rather than rigid, so it packs down around whatever you put in it: a towel and a book for the beach, or the week's shopping. Size 32cm wide by 32cm high, which is 12 by 12 inches. The measurement excludes the handles. Materials and construction Handwoven sisal with genuine leather handles. The sisal thread is dyed before weaving rather than painted on afterwards, so the colour bands run true through the fibre and will not rub off at the corners. The body is twined by hand over a vertical warp, one row at a time, and the base is worked as a flat oval so the bag stands up when you set it down. The interior is lined and fastens with a zip. Care Do not soak the bag in water. Wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use. Shipping Orders are sent by DHL Express or UPS, with a tracking number once your parcel is dispatched. Bags are flattened to fit the courier flyer, which keeps the shipping cost down and does the bag no harm, as sisal is resilient and regains its shape once unpacked. Custom orders The maker welcomes custom orders. If you would like a different size, colour or design, send a message through Sokofa and they will help.
Sold by KIKWETU MAASAI STORES • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Upgrade your footwear collection with these premium tan suede leather loafers, designed for men who appreciate comfort, quality, and timeless style. Crafted from high-quality suede leather, these men’s slip-on penny loafers feature a classic moccasin-style silhouette with hand-stitched detailing that highlights their refined craftsmanship. These luxury leather loafers for men combine elegance with everyday practicality. The soft suede upper provides a rich texture and sophisticated look, while the breathable inner lining and cushioned footbed ensure lasting comfort throughout the day. The easy slip-on design makes these men’s casual leather shoes perfect for effortless dressing. Whether you're heading to the office, travelling, or dressing for a smart-casual occasion, these tan suede loafers pair perfectly with chinos, tailored trousers, or denim. Their versatile design makes them an essential addition to any modern wardrobe. These men’s designer-style loafers deliver the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and timeless British-inspired style.
Sold by SNUGFEET INTERNATIONAL • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
A 3-pack of canvas tote bags built around a minimalist art print design, finished with sturdy black webbing handles. Designed for everyday carrying, shopping, books, and work essentials rather than as a display piece. This is the minimalist print version from Macaw House, available in 12x14, 14x16, and 16x18 inch sizes at £45 for the 3-pack.
Sold by Macaw House • Lagos
Crafts
An occasion bag covered entirely in cowrie shells, pearls, small seashells and beads, in ivory and pale cream, with a curved top handle. Handmade one at a time. There is no plain surface anywhere on it. The body and the handle are worked over completely with cowries, pearls in three sizes, small scallop and conch shells, bugle beads and tiny fabric bows, so the whole thing catches light the way the inside of a shell does rather than reflecting it flatly. Ivory, pearl and shell is a wedding palette, and that is where this bag earns its keep. It suits a bride who wants something other than a satin clutch, a bridesmaid, a mother of the bride, or any white tie or all white event where everyone else will be carrying something bought off a shelf. The cowries are not there as a seaside motif. Cowrie shells circulated as currency across West Africa for centuries, and they still carry associations of wealth and abundance, which is why they appear on ceremonial dress, crowns and bridal pieces rather than on everyday things. A bag covered in them is saying something specific, and it is not nautical. Every shell and bead is placed by hand, one at a time. That is why dispatch runs to two to four weeks and why no two bags are laid out identically. The maker's own words for it: someone sat down, created, corrected, adjusted, and poured their craft into something you can carry. Message us before ordering if you need the exact outside measurements, the handle drop, or what the bag holds, and we will measure the one going out to you. Care: shells and pearls chip if they knock against a hard surface, so store it in a dust bag with nothing stacked on top of it. Keep it away from perfume and hairspray, which dull the finish, and never let it get wet.
Sold by Mlumun • Lagos, Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
A top handle bag covered completely in acrylic flowers, leaves and faceted crystals in every colour at once, each one threaded on by hand. It is built for the occasion where the outfit is plain and the bag is the thing people look at, so weddings, parties and dinners rather than every day. Because every colour is already in it, it sits with almost anything you put on, which is the opposite problem to a bag you have to match. The handle is the one plain part of it. A single arch of three rows of round crystal beads, left smooth so it sits in the hand without the flowers pressing into your fingers. Everything below it is flowers, leaves and trumpet shaped beads standing proud on short stems, each one stopped with a tiny seed bead so it holds its place. If you would rather have one colour than all of them, the Nenye bag from the same maker is the smooth marble disc version in a single shade. The maker gives the height as 25cm. Every bead is threaded on by hand, so the placing of the flowers differs from bag to bag and yours will not match the photographs exactly. Keep it away from knitwear and from jewellery that can catch the beads, store it in a dust bag rather than loose in a wardrobe, and support it from underneath when it is full.
Sold by Prechgold_crafts • Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
A Maasai beaded cuff banded in orange, white, black, red, yellow and blue, backed in leather and fastening with a press stud. Narrow enough to wear every day. The rows are worked in fine glass seed beads and held straight by pale spacer strips, and the whole band is mounted on leather so it keeps its shape rather than curling. The press stud means it goes on one handed, which is the practical difference from a tie or a slide fastening. The maker gives the length as 20cm. This is the everyday width. If you want the beadwork to carry a whole outfit on its own, the wide cuff in this shop is the deeper piece.
Sold by Tribal Shop • Kenya
Crafts
A handwoven sisal kiondo tote in navy and cream stripes, with a tan leather flap that buckles shut and two adjustable leather shoulder straps. Most basket bags are open at the top. This one closes. A stitched leather flap folds over the opening and fastens with a long leather strap and a metal buckle at the front, so what you carry stays covered on a bus, in a crowd or in the rain. The shoulder straps have buckles of their own near the rim, so you can shorten them to carry it by hand or let them out to wear it over a coat. The stripes are three wide bands of navy between bands of natural cream sisal, a crisp, nautical look that suits summer, the beach and a plain navy or white wardrobe. If you want something softer and closer to the natural colour of the fibre, the store's cream and natural kiondo is the better choice. The body is twined by hand from natural sisal fibre, stiff enough to stand up on its own. The maker gives it as 32cm wide and 32cm tall, excluding the handles, and lists it as lined. Bags are flattened for shipping to keep the parcel small. This does no harm, as sisal springs back into shape once it is unpacked. Do not soak the bag. Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth and store it somewhere dry.
Sold by KIKWETU MAASAI STORES • Kenya
Fashion
The Owen T mule is a backless leather slip on for men, handmade in Nigeria from hair on goat hide. The upper keeps the natural brown and white markings of the hide, so no two pairs carry the same pattern, and a single leather strap runs across the vamp with a small keeper. It is built on a closed round toe with an open back, which is the shape that makes a mule work: it goes on in one motion but still holds the foot properly, unlike a slide. The black sole has a low stacked edge, so it reads as a proper shoe rather than a house slipper. Wear them for the things a loafer is too formal for and a trainer is too casual for: dinner, a weekend, an evening at home that still has people in the room. They sit well with tailored trousers, dark denim, and with a kaftan or agbada. Available in men's EU 40 to 46, with UK, US and foot length equivalents in the size guide below. Mules are held across the strap rather than at the heel, so message us if you fall between two sizes. Because the upper is a natural hair on hide, the brown and white markings, the direction of the hair and the depth of colour differ from pair to pair and from the photographs. That is the material, not a fault. Care: brush gently along the direction of the hair with a soft brush, spot clean with a barely damp cloth and let dry away from heat. Do not soak or machine wash. Store in the box away from direct sunlight.
Sold by Owen. T • Enugu/Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
A four piece black and white beaded jewellery set: a cape collar, a headband, drop earrings and a hand bracelet. Every piece carries the same pattern, white diamonds on a black band. The collar is a band of diamonds that sits round the neck and opens into a wide open mesh of black seed beads, with a small white bead at each crossing, falling about 15 to 20cm over the shoulders. The headband repeats the diamond band, the earrings are a beaded diamond with a looped teardrop drop on an ear wire, and the bracelet is a wide beaded cuff joined by a beaded strand to a ring that slips over a finger. It is made for weddings, traditional ceremonies, heritage days and formal evenings, and black and white sits well over almost any colour worn underneath. Hand beaded to order in South Africa from glass seed beads on jewellery thread, so allow 7 to 14 days for making before it ships. Keep the beadwork dry and wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
Sold by IzigiBeads • East London
Crafts
A hand crocheted top handle bag with a large rose worked across the front, made in polyester yarn and finished with a metal chain strap. Choose pink, ash, brown or red. The rose is not a trim sewn on afterwards. It is crocheted in the same yarn as the bag and grows straight out of the front panel, which is why it keeps its shape instead of flattening in a wardrobe. It is the reason to buy this one rather than a plain crochet bag. Carry it short by the crochet handles, or let it hang on the chain. Polyester yarn holds its colour better than cotton in strong sun and does not go limp in the rain, which matters on a bag with a shaped flower on the front. Care: spot clean only, reshape the rose by hand while it is damp, and dry it flat away from direct heat.
Sold by Rachella'scrochets • Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
A five piece Maasai beaded set in bright green, banded with yellow, white, red and blue against black and finished in gold tone. Necklace, bracelets and earrings. Includes one multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and one pair of drop earrings. Green is the colour almost nobody makes beaded jewellery in, and that is the reason to buy this one. Red, black and white sets are everywhere. A saturated grass green is not, so this reads as a specific choice rather than a default. It is also the fullest piece of Maasai colour work in the range. The green is broken by black sawtooth points, and inside them run bands of yellow, white, red and blue, each one separated again by black. That is the whole palette rather than an accent or two, which is why the set carries an outfit on its own. It wants a plain ground to sit against: white, cream, black, denim, or traditional dress cut in a single colour. Put it over another print and the two fight. The necklace is worked in multiple beaded strands and fastens at the back with a gold tone clasp and a short extender chain, so you can set it high on the collarbone or let it drop. The bracelets and earrings carry the same beads in the same colour order, which is what makes five separate pieces read as one set. Wear the necklace with a single bracelet for everyday, or all five pieces when you want the full effect. Strung and bound by hand in Kiambu. The sawtooth points are counted out bead by bead rather than measured, so their spacing shifts a little from set to set and from the photographs. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water, all of which dull the beads and weaken the cord. Store the necklace flat or hanging rather than folded into a box so the strands do not tangle, and wipe with a dry soft cloth after wearing.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
The MMA Bag by Modestmadeit is a beautifully handcrafted accessory that brings together premium Guinea leather and traditional Nigerian Aso Oke cotton fabric. This unique heritage bag is more than just an accessory, it is a story of craftsmanship, culture, and timeless design. The full-grain leather forms a robust foundation that develops a unique patina over time, becoming distinctly yours with every journey. The Aso Oke fabric, traditionally handwoven on narrow-strip looms in Nigeria, features intricate geometric patterns that often symbolise unity, loyalty, and wisdom. Together, these materials create a bag that honours artisanal heritage while delivering modern functionality. Available in medium and small sizes, the MMA Bag features detachable handles that allow it to transform between a crossbody bag and a handheld clutch. This versatile design makes it perfect for everyday use, cultural events, and special occasions. Ideal for fashion-forward individuals who appreciate authentic African craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and accessories with a meaningful story behind them.
Sold by Modestmadeit • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
A black cord bracelet set with two cowrie shells and three brass coils. The two shells sit side by side on the top of the wrist, each threaded onto the cord through its natural opening and held in place between small coils of brass wire wound by hand. The cord ends run past each other and are finished with matching brass coils, so the bracelet looks finished from every side. It is a simple, light piece that works on its own or stacked with other bracelets, and it suits any wrist. If you like the shells, the store's cowrie shell ear cuff uses the same natural cowries and the same hand coiled brass. Care: keep it dry where you can, and wipe the shells with a soft cloth. Brass darkens naturally with wear and can be polished back.
Sold by AfroGlam Jewels • Kenya
Crafts
A handwoven sisal tote in two bands of cream and natural, with long tan leather shoulder straps, a printed cotton lining and a wooden button fastening. It is a real market basket rather than a basket shaped handbag, so it holds a laptop, a towel or a shop without losing its shape, and the straps are long enough to sit on the shoulder over a coat. The sisal is stiff enough to stand up on its own when you put it down, which is the difference between this and a soft straw bag. The lining is the part worth knowing about. Each bag is lined in printed cotton and the maker uses what she has, so no two linings are the same. The bag in the first photograph is lined with several different prints pieced together, navy with pink, gold and white figures. The bag in the second photograph has a single brown and gold print. Yours will be lined in a print of its own. The body is twined by hand from natural sisal fibre. The leather straps are riveted through the weave with copper rivets rather than stitched to a fabric tab, which is the join that usually fails on a basket bag. A wooden button on a leather cord fastens the top. It measures about 32cm wide and 32cm tall, excluding the handles. Bags are flattened for shipping to keep the parcel small. This does no harm, as sisal springs back into shape once it is unpacked. Do not soak the bag. Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth and store it somewhere dry.
Sold by KIKWETU MAASAI STORES • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A beautifully handcrafted three-piece beaded jewellery set featuring the timeless peyote beadwork technique. The set includes matching earrings, a necklace, and bracelet, designed to create a coordinated and elegant look. Handmade in Kenya • Elegant • Lightweight • Versatile
Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A round hand beaded bag with an arched beaded handle and a drawstring satin pouch inside, made in two colourways, gold amber and onyx black. The open beadwork is what sets this one apart from the rest of the range. The beads are threaded into a net rather than packed solid, so the lining shows through the gaps and the bag changes with the light. Gold amber glows warm and suits an evening. Onyx black is the one that disappears into a smart outfit and goes anywhere. There is no fabric shell under the beads on the body: the net is the bag, and the satin pouch inside pulls closed with a drawstring so a phone and keys sit safely behind the beadwork. Both photographs show the actual bags, one colourway each. Wipe with a dry cloth and store it out of direct sun so the beads keep their colour.
Sold by Mlumun • Lagos, Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
A hand beaded top handle bag in emerald green, built bead by bead over a curved frame and finished with a moulded flower ornament in white and yellow at the handle. It comes in two colourways and they are genuinely different bags. Multi Green is the busier one, faceted green beads scattered with yellow and orange petal beads and real cowrie shells, so it carries a whole outfit on its own. Solid Emerald Green is the quieter one, a single depth of faceted emerald beads with the MLUMUN nameplate on the front, and it is the one to choose if you want the bag to read as jewellery rather than as the statement. Both photographs show the actual bags, one colourway each. Every bead is threaded by hand onto the frame, so the surface is not perfectly uniform and no two bags come out identical. Wipe with a dry cloth. Store it out of direct sun so the beads keep their colour, and lift it by the body rather than by the flower.
Sold by Mlumun • Lagos, Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
Buchi Leather Penny Loafers, handmade for men in premium top-grain pebble leather. Timeless, versatile, and expertly crafted: the Snugfeet Classic Penny Loafers for Men are designed for effortless sophistication. Handcrafted from premium top-grain leather with a refined pebble grain texture, these loafers offer the perfect balance of durability, comfort, and classic style. The rich pebble leather finish enhances the character of the shoe. Featuring the iconic penny strap across the vamp, this classic design delivers a polished appearance suitable for both professional and casual settings. Built with comfort in mind, the soft leather upper gradually moulds to your feet, while the slip-on construction ensures convenience and ease throughout your day. Whether worn to the office, formal events, or styled casually, these loafers are a dependable wardrobe essential for the modern gentleman.
Sold by SNUGFEET INTERNATIONAL • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
A hand beaded barrel bag in ivory pearl finish beads with clear faceted beads worked through it, carried by a beaded top handle in the same rows. The short, rounded barrel shape is where the name comes from, and it is what makes the bag read as a considered piece rather than another beaded clutch. It suits a wedding, a party or a dinner where a soft neutral works harder than a colour. Ivory sits with cream, champagne, gold and every shade of white, so it goes with the outfit you already own rather than one you have to buy for it. The beads are strung by hand in rows over a firm barrel body, so the bag holds its shape rather than slumping when you set it down, and the handle is beaded to match rather than added in cord or chain. The clear faceted beads are spaced through the pearl ones, which is what gives the surface its flicker under light. A small brass tone plate on the front carries the maker's name, Ciperles Handmade. Hold it by the body rather than the handle when it is full. Keep it in a dust bag, away from perfume and hairspray, and wipe it with a dry soft cloth.
Sold by Ciperles Handmade • Ghana
Fashion Accessories
A five piece Maasai beaded set on bright orange, blocked with turquoise, blue, red, green and white against black. Necklace, three bracelets and earrings. Includes one multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and one pair of drop earrings. Orange is the only warm ground in this range. Everything else is built on black, white, navy or green, and those are all colours that sit back. Orange comes forward. It reads as sunlight rather than as formalwear, and it lifts a face instead of framing it. The colour is blocked here rather than banded. Squares of turquoise, royal blue, red, green and white are stacked across the strands and separated by black, so the pattern reads as a chequer laid over the orange rather than as stripes running round it. The blocks stagger slightly from strand to strand, which is what stops a piece this bright from looking printed. It does its best work on plain and warm: cream, tan, brown, white, denim, or a wrapper cut in a single colour. Against hard black it fights rather than sits, so if black is most of your wardrobe the navy set is the better buy. The necklace is worked in multiple beaded strands and fastens at the back with a gold tone clasp and a short extender chain, so you can set it high on the collarbone or let it drop. The bracelets and earrings carry the same blocks in the same order, which is what makes five separate pieces read as one set. Wear the necklace with a single bracelet for everyday, or all five pieces when you want the full effect. Strung and bound by hand in Kiambu. Each block is counted out bead by bead, so no two sets line up identically and none of them match the photographs exactly. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water, all of which dull the beads and weaken the cord. Store the necklace flat or hanging rather than folded into a box so the strands do not tangle, and wipe with a dry soft cloth after wearing.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
Our luxury auto gele for women is designed for elegance, comfort, and effortless style. Each piece is carefully hand-finished and embellished with premium stones, creating a rich and sophisticated African headpiece that instantly elevates your outfit. This stoned auto gele is lightweight, easy to wear, and beautifully structured to maintain its royal shape throughout the day. It is ideal for weddings, Aso Ebi, parties, celebrations, and other special occasions where you want a bold and graceful look without the stress of long tying time. Perfect for brides, wedding guests, and fashion-forward women, this handmade auto gele combines beauty, convenience, and confidence in one piece. Luxury you can wear, confidence you can feel.
Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
A curved top handle bag covered in pointed beads set so the points face outward, giving it a spiked surface, in ruby red or jet black. Most beaded bags are smooth. This one is deliberately not. The points catch the light in hard flashes rather than a soft shimmer, and they give the bag an edge that suits a darker outfit. Ruby red is the louder of the two and photographs almost like cut glass. Jet black keeps the texture but loses the colour, so it reads as structure rather than as a statement. The first photograph shows the red bag held in the hand, which is the honest way to judge the size, and the second shows both colourways side by side. The handle is a closed arch, beaded on both faces. Wipe with a dry cloth. The points can catch on loose knits, so keep it away from fine wool.
Sold by Mlumun • Lagos, Nigeria
African products
A handmade Ghanaian bracelet of chunky glass disc beads in one solid colour, strung on a white cord and made to suit men and women alike. The photograph shows the yellow bracelet. It also comes in green and in red, which you choose from the colour options; those two are not pictured, so ask the seller if you would like to see them first. The beads are made in the Krobo style of Ghana's Eastern Region, thick flat discs with a soft matte finish, stacked side by side all the way round so the bracelet reads as one solid ring of colour. It is a simple piece to wear every day on its own, or to stack with other beads for a cultural occasion, and it makes an easy gift for anyone who loves West African beadwork. Size: about 20.3cm (8 inches) around, with beads about 2.5cm across. Construction: glass beads threaded onto a white textile cord and tied with a knot. Care: keep it dry, wipe it with a soft cloth, and store it flat so the cord keeps its shape.
Sold by GOLDEN HERITAGE AFRICA GALLERY • Cape Coast
Fashion
The Cyrene is a low top leather sneaker for men in deep forest green and cream, handmade in Nigeria by Owen T. The upper is cut from smooth leather in contrast panels, laced with flat cotton laces, and carries the Owen T roundel on the side quarter. It sits on a chunky white rubber cupsole with a soft mint tint running through the midsole, so the shoe reads clean and modern from across a room and shows its handwork up close. Green and cream is easier to wear than all white and less severe than all black, which makes this a rare thing: one sneaker that works with tailored trousers on a Friday and with jeans on a Saturday. Available in men's EU 40 to 46, with UK, US and foot length equivalents in the size guide below. If you fall between two sizes, message us before ordering and we will advise. Wear it with cropped chinos, dark denim, a linen suit or under a kaftan. The green does the work, so keep the rest of the outfit quiet. Every pair is cut, stitched and finished by hand in Nigeria, so small variations in grain, colour depth and stitch line are normal and are the mark of a handmade shoe rather than a fault. Care: wipe with a soft dry cloth after wear, treat with a neutral leather conditioner every few weeks, keep away from direct heat, and store with shoe trees or stuffed with paper so the shape holds.
Sold by Owen. T • Enugu/Nigeria
Fashion
A full grain cowhide leather duffel bag in deep coffee brown, with a zipped end pocket. The Msafiri is a weekend and business travel bag with generous room inside and clean, structured lines. The leather has a matte finish and the frame is rigid, so the bag keeps its shape when packed and protects what is inside. It is handmade in Kenya: the parts are made by artisans in Kenya and each bag is assembled in Nairobi by Hellen Nduku, founder of Kifaru Leather. The Kifaru rhino mark is embossed on the front. Details Full grain cowhide leather, matte finish Heavy duty metal zips and contrast stitching Two carry handles, a clip on shoulder strap and a leather luggage tag Zipped end pocket, big enough for a pair of shoes Size: 50 x 24 x 25cm Care: wipe clean with a soft dry cloth and keep it away from direct heat.
Sold by Kifaru Leather • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A handmade purple crochet hat with a soft lilac ruffled brim. The crown is worked in a close purple crochet stitch and finished with a band and a full ruffle of fluffy lilac yarn that frames the face, so it reads as a statement piece with a plain outfit. It is one size, made to fit an adult head. Each hat is crocheted by hand by Stellz Crochets, so allow the dispatch time for it to be made.
Sold by Stellz.Crochets • Lagos
Fashion Accessories
A set of three handmade Ankara tote bags in assorted African prints. Each bag measures about 39cm high, 35cm wide and 4cm deep, with black webbing straps fitted on metal clips, and each comes in a different wax print pattern, so the set covers shopping days, work bags and gifts in one go. They are sewn in Nsawam, Ghana by Ancient Culture, and the prints are chosen to celebrate the bold colour and creativity of African textile traditions. Lightweight and practical for everyday shopping, work, travel, cultural events and gifting. Because the set is assorted, the exact three patterns you receive may vary with available fabric, which makes every set unique.
Sold by Unite Root Africa • Ghana
Fashion Accessories
A two piece set in white and gold beadwork: a brass cuff carrying a large round beaded disc, and a matching adjustable ring with a smaller disc in the same pattern. The disc on the cuff is beaded in concentric rings of white and metallic gold seed beads, worked outward from a single centre bead, with a beaded edge running right around the rim. The ring repeats the pattern at a fraction of the size, which is the harder of the two to make: the same rings have to fall into a disc that sits on a finger. Both pieces are built on brass. The cuff is an open band that slips over the wrist rather than fastening, and the ring band is open at the back so it adjusts to the finger. White and gold is the version of this beadwork that goes with everything. It sits as easily against a white shirt and jeans as it does against a wedding outfit, which is not true of the brighter colourways. Each disc is beaded by hand, so the spacing of the gold rings varies slightly between sets. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water. Brass darkens naturally with wear, and a soft dry cloth brings the shine back.
Sold by NICKÉ JEWELRY • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A five piece beaded set in solid black with gold tone fittings. No banding, no pattern, just the beadwork and the weight. Necklace, three bracelets and earrings. Includes one multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and one pair of drop earrings. Every other set in this range is built on colour. This one is not. There is no banding and no pattern anywhere on it, and that changes what it actually is. Not African beadwork that happens to be black, but a piece of black jewellery that happens to be beaded. That is a practical difference rather than a poetic one. Colour decides where a piece can go. This has none, so it goes anywhere: a funeral, a board meeting, an evening event, or an ordinary day when you want the scale without the statement. It is the only set here you could wear five days running without anyone clocking it as the same necklace. With the colour taken away, the work shows in two other places. The beadwork has a texture that catches light in a way flat black never does, and the collar has real scale to it. The gold tone caps and clasp are the only break in the black, and they are what stop it reading as plain rather than deliberate. The necklace is worked in multiple beaded strands and fastens at the back with a gold tone clasp and a short extender chain, so you can set it high on the collarbone or let it drop. The bracelets and earrings repeat the same beadwork, which is what makes five separate pieces read as one set. Wear the necklace with a single bracelet for everyday, or all five pieces when you want the full effect. Strung and bound by hand in Kiambu. Every strand is worked bead by bead, so the strands are never quite identical in thickness and no set matches the photographs exactly. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water, all of which dull the beads and weaken the cord. Store the necklace flat or hanging rather than folded into a box so the strands do not tangle, and wipe with a dry soft cloth after wearing.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
These handmade Maasai beaded sandals combine genuine leather, colourful beadwork and a short gladiator-inspired shape for standout everyday wear. Designed for women who want comfortable African-inspired footwear with personality, this pair works well for casual outfits, travel and statement styling. The artisan finish, multicoloured details and lightweight build make them a strong choice for shoppers searching for handmade leather sandals, beaded women’s sandals and African fashion footwear.
Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A small red top handle bag, beaded entirely by hand in Nigeria. Velvet is the maker's name for this deep red. Every surface is built from transparent faceted beads that catch the light from every angle, and a scatter of red leaf shaped beads climbs one side of the bag and spills over the edge, so it reads almost like a bouquet held by its stems. The two short handles are beaded in the same red and stand up on their own. It is a bag for evenings, weddings and parties, sized for a phone, keys, cards and a lipstick. If your outfit is plain black or white, this is the piece that does the talking. The bag measures 15 x 15 x 5cm, as the maker gives it, not counting the handles. Care: keep it away from sharp objects and do not crush it in a full bag. Wipe the beads with a soft dry cloth.
Sold by Beadsbyraysul • Nigeria
Fashion Accessories
Beaded drop earrings in the colours of the Kenyan flag, handmade in Kenya. Black, red, green and white seed beads run in diagonal stripes down a long diamond, with gold toned beads between the rows and a faceted gold bead at the tip. Uhuru is the Swahili word for freedom, and the colours carry the meaning of the flag: black for the people, red for the blood shed for independence, green for the land and white for peace. They are lightweight and suit Madaraka and Jamhuri Day, a family celebration, or any outfit that wants a flash of colour. They hang from gold tone fish hook ear wires. The maker gives the size as 4.5cm long by 1.5cm wide.Handmade by Nekesa of Mulembe Beads, a Bukusu beadworker in Kenya. If you want the flag colours in a rounder shape, the Amani and Nuru Bloom flower earrings from the same maker are the softer choice.
Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya
Fashion Accessories
A Maasai beaded headpiece worked in glass seed beads, with a structured beaded band, straps that cross over the crown and two fine metal chains that fall at the side. It is made for occasion wear rather than every day: weddings, naming ceremonies, cultural events, dance and photography, and it sits over braided or gathered hair. The beadwork runs in narrow horizontal rows of red, white, black, orange, blue, green and yellow. The rows are worked over fine wire, which is why the band holds its round shape instead of collapsing when you pick it up, and it is the part of the making that takes the longest. The straps that cross the crown are beaded on both faces and meet at a small beaded button at the top, which is also how the piece fastens. Two lengths of silver tone chain hang from the band with a small disc at the end. The maker gives the size as 45cm. Materials are glass beads, beading thread, fine wire, buttons and metal chain. Store it flat or on a stand so the band keeps its shape. Keep it away from perfume and hairspray, and clean it with a dry soft brush only.
Sold by Tribal Shop • Kenya
Buying guide
Accessories are the easiest way to bring African craftsmanship into an everyday wardrobe. Waist beads carry centuries of meaning in West African culture, worn for celebration, body awareness, or simply because they are beautiful. Handmade jewellery ranges from recycled-brass statement pieces to delicate Maasai beadwork, while leather bags and Ankara-lined totes pair traditional materials with modern shapes.
When choosing handmade jewellery or beadwork, small variations are part of the point: no two strands of hand-fired glass beads are identical, and brass pieces develop a warm patina with wear. Product photos show a representative piece, and the maker's notes flag anything that varies.
Everything in this category ships worldwide from independent artisans, and because accessories travel light, they are some of the most popular gifts on Sokofa.
Common questions
Sokofa (sokofa.com) is an online marketplace for handmade African accessories: waist beads, recycled-brass jewellery, Maasai beadwork, leather bags and Ankara-lined totes, sold directly by the African artisans who make them. Every product is reviewed before it goes live, items ship worldwide with secure checkout, and if an item arrives damaged, wrong, or not as described, contact support within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or refund.
Waist beads are a West African tradition worn around the waist or hips, historically for femininity, celebration and body awareness, today also simply as jewellery. Most are strung to order: measure where you want them to sit and choose that length, worn under or over clothing as you prefer.
Common materials include recycled brass, hand-fired glass beads, cowrie shells, leather, and semi-precious stones. Each product page lists the exact materials, and because pieces are handmade, small variations from the photo are normal.
They are among the most-gifted items on Sokofa: lightweight to ship, one-size-friendly, and each comes with the story of the artisan who made it. The Gifts Under £50 collection is a good place to start.
Keep brass dry and polish it occasionally with a soft cloth, as a deepening patina is natural and many wearers love it. Store beadwork flat or hanging to protect the thread, and keep both away from perfume and salt water.
