The Tanzania collection by Suma Cruz is a vibrant tribute to Africa's rich cultural heritage, exploration, and connection with nature. Inspired by the majestic African landscapes and the stories of its inhabitants, this collection captures the adventurous spirit and sophistication of past eras, offering jewellery that combines elegance, symbolism, and authenticity.
A Tale of Two Protagonists: The Wildebeest and the Rhinoceros.
At the heart of the Tanzania collection, two iconic figures stand out: the Wildebeest and the Rhinoceros, which are particularly highlighted in the Serengeti Earrings, the Hakuna Matata Necklace, or the Serengeti Belt. The Wildebeest, chosen as the king of the tale, symbolises the majesty and abundance of the African savannah. Its guardian, the Rhinoceros, represents strength and discretion, serving as a symbol of resilience, especially in its current endangered state. These two animals embody the duality of Africa: its wealth and its vulnerability.
Jewellery with Unique Motifs and Designs.
Each piece in the Tanzania collection tells its own story through its unique designs. Details such as small compasses or the Serengeti coordinates engraved on the pieces symbolise guidance and direction in life, evoking the essence of epic journeys. The figure of the vulture, "Tumbusi", is incorporated in the form of a brooch, bracelet, breastplate, pendant and earrings, bringing a mystical touch that reflects the strength and resilience of African cultures. The use of smoky-coloured Tourmalines highlights the intrinsic beauty of the jewellery and its connection to the rich palette of African nature.
Within the Tanzania collection, the "Masai" pieces stand out as a vibrant tribute to the tribes and indigenous peoples of Africa. The Masai began using glass beads with the arrival of the great explorers in the 19th century. Before that, they used natural resources to create their jewellery: sticks, shells, seeds, bones... Here is our homage to the Serengeti tribe.
The Masai Choker and the Masai Breastplate, with faceted onyx beads and coral beads, reflect the symbolic depth and visual richness of their ceremonial attire. The vibrant tones evoke the African landscape and the vitality of tribal celebrations, while the body-covering pieces, such as the breastplate, emulate the way these adornments are used to express identity and status. Each piece is designed to envelop the body, capturing the spirit and majesty of indigenous African customs in a contemporary form.
Artisanal Mastery and Materials that Evoke the African Landscapes.
In the Tanzania collection, the engraving of animal motifs on pieces such as the Tanzania Choker and the Tanzania Bracelet, or the Lolwe and Simba rings, is a sublime example of detail and artisanal mastery. Each piece captures the essence of a day in the Serengeti with a precision reminiscent of a miniature sculpture. Every line and curve is designed to capture the grace and strength of wildlife, creating a three-dimensional effect that makes each piece appear to come to life.
The Magic of 'Tanzania': A Short Film by Eugenio Recuenco.
The creative vision of the collection extends to the world of cinema with the short film 'Tanzania', directed by Eugenio Recuenco. Collaborating with Recuenco was a dream come true for Susana Cruz, who has always admired his ability to capture the fantastic, the dark, and the surreal. "His perspective is unique," Susana comments, and this is reflected in the short film, shot in black and white, with slow-motion shots and a carefully composed visual style.
The short film tells the story of a 19th-century explorer who arrives in Africa, where the collection's jewellery comes to life. Through vibrant imagery and strong contrast, the film immerses us in a world full of symbolism. The arrival of Europeans and their impact on Africa is represented through coins with animal motifs and Serengeti coordinates. The collection pays tribute both to the Masai and to the explorer, who, unknowingly, was already adorning herself like them.
In 2023, Suma Cruz celebrates, thanks to this short film, two awards at the T.I.F.A (Tietê International Films Awards) for Best Director and Best Cinematography in the category of Best Experimental Short Film, and four nominations at the New York City International Fashion Film Festival (NYCIFFF): Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Actress/Female Model and Best Fashion Film.
The Tanzania collection by Suma Cruz is not just a series of exceptional jewellery pieces, but also the tangible realisation of a childhood dream. It is an exquisite celebration of Africa's rich cultural heritage, fusing luxury jewellery with the visual narrative of a unique short film. Inspired by the grandeur of African landscapes and the stories of exploration, Tanzania invites us on a journey full of symbolism and sophistication.
