Accessorizing with Ethically-Sourced Water Buffalo Horn

Whether you grew up traipsing the tropical beaches of Hawaii or spend your free time traveling the wonders of the world, we can all agree on one thing: there’s nothing more beautiful than Mother Nature. You deserve jewelry and accessories that capture our earth’s stunning sights—and that’s why we love water buffalo horn accessories.

While there will always be a time and place for authentic shark tooth necklaces and butterfly wing jewelry, certain occasions call for something a little more rustic. What’s more traditional than donning a fun piece of jewelry inspired by the pieces civilizations have made for centuries? 

With no two alike and an unbeatable color palette, every water buffalo horn accessory is amazing. But let’s talk a little more about how horn jewelry is made, the fascinating creatures they come from, and how to style each design!

What is a Water Buffalo?

The water buffalo is a member of the Bovidae family, alongside cattle, goats, bison, and sheep. They’re generally known for their dark brown fur, cow-like body, and, most importantly, their horns. 

The History of Water Buffalo

The origins of the water buffalo are debated, with over 74 determined breeds domesticated worldwide, but they’ve been traced back to at least 4 to 5 thousand years ago. Today, at least 130 million domesticated water buffalo exist, while wild water buffalo are so few that they’ve been determined endangered. 

People around the globe depend on domestic water buffalo more than any other animal, even cows and goats, using them to till rice fields, produce milk, and more. Throughout time, water buffalo horns have most commonly been carved into utensils, cups, jewelry, and other accessories, like the ones we see today.

Where are Water Buffalo Found?

The common domesticated water buffalo can be found around the world, in South America, Europe, North Africa, Australia, and Asia. The wild buffalo numbers are dwindling, but if found, they tend to be spotted in certain swampy parts of Asia. When sourcing horns for one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories, they are bought ethically from farms and animal-raising groups. 

Water Buffalo Horn Jewelry is Unique

Bones and horns have been carved for different culturally significant pieces throughout history, from traditional scrimshaw art to horn jewelry. Rather than letting this material go to waste, trained artists can turn something commonplace into something unique and beautiful.

With water buffalo accessories, no two pieces are alike, as every water buffalo horn is unique. The natural grains, earth-toned colors, and beautiful patterns found in animal horns are enviable and near impossible to replicate, so using authentic horns is key. If you’re searching for a meaningful bracelet or pendant that will make you stand out, stylish water buffalo jewelry is perfect for you.

Not to mention that water buffalo horns are strong and durable, allowing each design to double as functional art. Depending on the carving and artist, the horn can be made into useable accessories without sacrificing style. Trade your dime-a-dozen products for horn items you’ll love. 

3 Characteristics of Water Buffalo Horn Jewelry

Whether you spot a water buffalo necklace at your grandmother’s house or are on the hunt for this stunning horn in the wild, there are three characteristics to look for: 

1. Pattern: the water buffalo horn has a distinct, almost tortoise shell-like pattern, with natural streaks and grain in no repeatable style.
2. Color palette: water buffalo horns come with a wide assortment of natural colors, from deep grays and blacks to almost rust-orange. 
3. Handmade: Every water buffalo horn design is handcrafted and carved by expert artists who care about making a piece that will last you a lifetime.   

The Ethics of Using Water Buffalo Horn

Many indigenous people hold a core belief that an animal’s death should never go to waste—including every body part. So, while the rest of a water buffalo may be divided into food, leather, or fur, the horns are harvested safely to be used elsewhere. Repurposing water buffalo horns gives them a new life and offers an environmentally friendly choice for jewelry.

Unlike antlers, horns do not shed—the domestic water buffalo loses them after they pass away. But even then, they are collected with respect and distributed to trustworthy jewelry designers. If the horns are bought from an ethical and trustworthy source, and the artists carved and created them in eco-friendly ways, making water buffalo horn jewelry is a sustainable craft. 

What Does the Water Buffalo Horn Symbolize?

Similar to the best healing crystals, wearing buffalo horn jewelry or hair accessories could help you harness certain spiritual intentions. 

Water Buffalo Horn Brings Abundance and Gratitude

Many people believe that the key to a successful life is manifestation, and wearing water buffalo horn jewelry is thought to help bring those visions to life. Seeing a wild water buffalo or wearing a unique accessory encourages you to celebrate the abundance of love, wealth, and happiness in your life. Brush your hair with water buffalo horn combs while saying your daily mantras, or add a piece of horn to your altar to reap this spiritual benefit. 

The Water Buffalo Symbolizes Strength

Heavy, powerful, and oh-so-strong water buffalo are famously used on farms to do the heavy lifting and hard work in the fields. With millions of species around the globe, the resilience of this beautiful animal is something to envy. If you or anyone you know needs an extra boost of strength, channel the power of the water buffalo alongside other chakra stones or style a piece of horn jewelry to welcome that energy into your life.

Water Buffalo Horn Connects You to Freedom

You deserve to roam like the wild water buffalo have for thousands of years. Water buffalo horns are sometimes seen as a symbol of exploration, freedom, and liberty. Sport a horn pendant or hair pick, invite that spiritual discovery into your life, and inspire yourself to live a life free of judgments and constraints.

5 Steps for Turning Horn into Jewelry

While every artist has their secrets, many follow traditional step-by-step instructions to get proper use out of their horn:

• Step 1: Artists use hot oil to soften the water buffalo horns, making them pliable and easy to work with.
• Step 2: Horns are then cut down the center and flattened out.
• Step 3: A stencil is placed onto the horn to cut out an exact shape from the material. 
• Step 4: The horns are ready for intricate carving, embellishments, and added details. 
• Step 5: Each piece of horn is then polished to create that sophisticated, shiny finish.  

3 Popular Types of Water Buffalo Horn Accessories

With an eye for design and the necessary skills, water buffalo horn can be made into just about anything. Amongst our healing crystals and different types of fossils, we stock these three forms of accessories for you to explore: 

1. Water Buffalo Jewelry

If you’re searching for a sustainable jewelry option that’s as stylish as you are, water buffalo horn is the perfect material to complete your collection. This natural, wearable art offers versatile style and a completely unique, colorful pattern in every cuff. From the striking, chunky water buffalo horn bangles to the hand-carved horn pendant, every style is one-of-a-kind—just like you. 

Pro tip: There’s only one of each, so if you fall in love with the look of a timeless water buffalo bangle or pendant, buy it before someone else does! 

How to Style Buffalo Horn Bangles

When styling an oversized bangle, the key is to decide whether to use it as a standalone piece or pair it with the rest of your jewelry. The down-to-earth colors of a water buffalo horn bangle work well as a statement piece, but if you decide to spruce it up, there are plenty of ways! Create a trendy bracelet stack using thinner bracelets made of metals or shells, or find matching buffalo horn necklaces and earrings for a cohesive look. 

2. Water Buffalo Combs

Only the best local artists are skilled enough to carve water buffalo horn into fine tooth combs. Featuring multi-colored muddled patterns, each water buffalo comb is lightweight, offering easy styling. Spot the fine detailing of each individual tooth on the comb and marvel at the handcrafted beauty!

With different designs to choose from, everyone can find the perfect horn comb. If you’d like something simple and straightforward, the pocket comb works for any occasion. An ornate folding comb has a built-in case that protects the teeth, perfect for on-the-go. If you’d like something with extra ornamentation, choose a piece with an embellished handle, such as a dragon comb.   

Are Horn Combs Good for Hair?

Water buffalo horn combs are more than just a vanity accessory—they make a difference in the care and quality of your hair. Unlike a typical plastic brush, a horn comb gently stimulates the scalp and distributes oil throughout the hair, leading to healthier and stronger locks. Investing in a horn comb can transform your hair from basic to beautiful! 

3. Water Buffalo Hair Sticks

Whether you’re looking to avoid hair ties or desire a special hair accessory for an elevated gathering, the water buffalo horn hair sticks are an elegant choice for any occasion. Featuring a long, cylindrical spear ranging around six-and-a-half inches and a decorative embellishment at the top, these hair picks are a great way to tame your wild mane.   

Hair Stick Ornamentation Styles:

When you buy a hand-carved water buffalo horn hair stick, you can decide between the different decorative details that adorn the top: 

• Cherry blossom
• Monstera leaf
• Calathea leaf
• Rosebud
• Grass blade
• Lily
• Owl
• Phoenix
• Fish

How to Wear Hair Sticks

There are countless ways to do your hair using a traditional hair stick. Some styles require two, while others rely on one to keep your hair up and away.

Most styles require you to pull your intended section of hair together and wrap it in one rope and around itself to create a tight bun. Then, you stick your hair stick in diagonally, making sure it goes through the majority of your hair. It may take some experimenting, but with the right amount of practice, you’ll soon be able to use your water buffalo hair stick like a professional!

Gift a Water Buffalo Horn Accessory

Water buffalo horn accessories make meaningful and thoughtful gifts for any loved ones in your life. As they all tend to have the same spiritual meaning, it’s just a matter of finding an item you know they’d use. 

For any fashionable friends in your life, the water buffalo horn jewelry is the unique missing piece for their jewelry collection. While you can gift them one and introduce them to the beauty of horn accessories, consider buying a bangle and a pendant to give them a matching set perfect for any event!

Water buffalo horn combs and hair sticks are perfect for anyone who prides themselves on their gorgeous locks. Follow our men’s gift guide and select a pocket comb for the special man in your life! You could even buy a few hair sticks for grab-and-go gifting during the holidays.

How to Take Care of Water Buffalo Horn Jewelry

When taking proper care of your water buffalo horn jewelry, the first step is to always take it off when you’re near water. Natural materials are very susceptible to moisture damage, so it’s better not to risk it. During showers, steam rooms, swimming, and exercising, remove your horn accessory and keep it somewhere safe.  

All water buffalo horn accessories should be stored in soft spaces. Whether stored in a cloth bag or a velvet-lined jewelry box, it’s important to keep your horn jewelry separate from metal pieces to protect them from scratches, damage, or aging. 

If your water buffalo horn ever looks lackluster, don’t worry! Rub a gentle oil, such as jojoba oil, into the horn to enhance the color and shine. Polish it with a soft cloth in slow, circular movements, and let it dry.

Water buffalo are majestic and beautiful—so who wouldn’t want to accessorize with their horns? Sustainably sourced, handcrafted, and timelessly stylish, every one of our horn designs is waiting to be discovered. Find your next favorite accessory in our water buffalo collection today!