elephant hair bracelet

[Bhauer]

If I decide to pass it on, I'll let you know. I wouldn't count on me parting with it though. It's always weathered my purging urges, and I don't really expect that to change.

That’s good. You should put a little olive oil on it. It will preserve the hair.

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

That’s good. You should put a little olive oil on it. It will preserve the hair.

will do. thanks for the preservation info.

 

[vogera]

...and long before that the bracelets came from Africa.

An elephant hair bracelet is just what the name says. It is an adjustable bracelet made with the tail hair of an elephant. Styles vary somewhat. Bracelets can be made with different color hairs - black is most common, brown is more uncommon, and white is the least common. Better quality bracelets are usually made with either thicker hairs or a higher hair count. There is also variation in the knots used to hold the bracelet together and adjust its size. Some knots are fairly plain while others are more elaborate. Additionally, the number of knots varies - with 2 and 4 knots being most common (I've seen 'em with up to 8 knots). According to 1200-year-old legend, the wearer of an elephant hair bracelet would be protected from illness, taken out of harms way, and attain great fortune. The knots represent fertility & ancestors (earth) and forces & spirits (nature)...hence the 4 or 2 knot versions. In following with tradition, those white hunters who actually hunted and killed an elephant wear the bracelet on the right arm—if you're looking for replicas or symbolic versions, you might want to contact The Bradford Exchange for options. Elephant hair bracelets presented to friends as tokens of good luck are worn on the left arm.

Here's a photo of the elephant hair bracelet that I wear.

Yeah, elephant hair bracelets were traditionally worn by some African tribes and later picked up by safari hunters as a kind of good luck charm. They were believed to bring strength and protection, especially during dangerous journeys or hunts. Over time, they became popular souvenirs or status symbols for travelers. These days, most are made with metal instead of actual elephant hair for ethical reasons, but the style and symbolism still carry that same rugged, adventurous vibe.