The Shanga Earring is crafted from recycled glass beads made by Ghanaian artisans, freshwater pearls, and quartz, garnet, or zircon. Shanga (shah-nga) – ‘a string of beautiful beads’ Beads are a significant part of culture in communities across Kenya. The word shanga refers to the beads once they have been made into an ornamental item. Shanga are an important part of Swahili culture because they are believed to enhance a woman’s beauty and add sound and light as she walks. They are often used as gifts for brides or love interests.