“Where every brushstroke tells a story.”

A portrait of adornment, identity, and timeless beauty.

In the Omo Valley of Eastern Africa, adornment is more than decoration—it is declaration. Every necklace, every painted line, every crafted piece tells a story of belonging, strength, and continuity. In New Earrings, Edward Wade captures a woman of the Surma tribe at the height of her beauty—not in opulence, but in authenticity.

Her skin, a warm brown glow, becomes the perfect canvas for tradition. A handmade necklace, intricate yet unpretentious, rests against her chest. Her clothing is minimal, for nothing here is superfluous. And then, there are the earrings—crafted from the horns of an animal, bold and powerful. They do more than complete her adornment; they speak of her connection to land, to ancestry, to the rhythm of life itself.

Rendered in watercolor, every detail carries both softness and strength. The medium’s fluid transparency mirrors the duality of the subject—her vulnerability and her power, her individuality and her rootedness in community. The washes of color breathe life into her form, while the intricate strokes ensure she will never fade.

For the thoughtful collector, New Earrings is not simply a portrait—it is an encounter. It invites you into a dialogue across cultures and generations, offering a rare glimpse into traditions that are both vanishing and eternal. On your wall, it will hold presence: a reminder of the dignity of heritage, the artistry of adornment, and the enduring beauty of human expression.

To own this piece is to preserve a legacy—to honor not just what is seen, but what is carried forward.