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From Silver to Safari: The Birth of LeatherBack Originals

By on February 4, 2026 in Africa Safari, Gorillas in the Mist, LeatherBack Originals, Silver & leather pendants, Zoo

People have been making jewelry for thousands of years. Even ancient tribes adorned themselves with ornaments — and many still do today. Why? I once told my jeweler brother that selling modern jewelry is difficult because no one needs it. It’s not food, water, or clothing. He didn’t even blink before replying: “Go ask a few women.” Message received.

For centuries, jewelers have created endless designs in silver, gold, and precious stones. There’s an entire industry dedicated to restoring antique pieces and collecting historic and royal jewelry. So the real challenge becomes: What can a new designer do that hasn’t been done before? Where can a small, independent artist find fresh techniques, materials, or ideas that feel truly original?

In my case, the inspiration was close at hand. A good friend of mine is a master leatherworker specializing in masks, hoods, and hats (see LeatherheadOriginals.com). I’ve long admired his craft. With his guidance, I started experimenting — and that’s how I began fusing sterling silver with premium cowhide leather, creating my new LeatherBack Originals collection of wildlife and safari-inspired pieces.

Sterling silver wildlfie and zoo animal pendants on leather skin like backings

Traditional fine jewelers would probably cringe at the idea. Leather in jewelry? Unthinkable. Yet years ago my brother designed collections using real elephant and giraffe hair — something that’s neither legal nor ethical today. Leather, however, lets me capture the look and spirit of wildlife in a modern, humane way. And it brings something metal alone never could: a soft, warm feel against the skin. Almost as if the pendant or earrings are gently hugging you.

You can see my first pieces in the LeatherBack Originals collection at SafariGold.com or at safarigoldjewelry.etsy.com. This is only the beginning — and I’m excited to push jewelry designs somewhere bold, unexpected, and unmistakably original.

(C) Martin Foden – SafariGold (R)

Because some journeys don’t end – they become something you wear.

Hippos or Crocodiles: Which are the most dangerous?

By on March 31, 2025 in Africa Safari, Wildlife preservation, Zoo

The popular YouTube blue water sailing channel Sailing Nandji-Frothlife of the small Australian family exploring the world have just posted a video about their arrival in South Africa. Next week they are going to visit Hluhluwe National game reserve where I recall my father worrying whether or not our car was fast enough to outrun a rhino! But for now they are exploring St Lucia wildlife refuge and talk a lot about the hippos and crocodiles on their guided tour. These animals are so fierce because their brains are so small and just focus on eating anything in their way. I agree with Jost that they are modern living dinosaurs.

African safari crocodile
My least favorite African animal – a giant crocodile, as seen here by Sailing Nandji.

Unfortunately they did not cover all the birds in as much depth as I would have liked, other than mentioning there are over 600 species to view. You can separately see many pictures on the internet on the giant flocks of pink flamingos that live there because not all African safaris are about lions and elephants. Here is a taste of the scenes I would love to experience one day – with thanks to St Lucia Birding Tours:

Birding tour safaris in South Africa
Flamingos in St Lucia estuary South Africa

Anyway, I look forward to following Nandji’s travels down the coast of South Africa. I am sure it will bring back many memories for me while showcasing the great contrasts between the incredible natural landscapes and wildlife of this country that hogs the southern tip of Africa, along with how large, modern and bustling the coastal cities have become.

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRzW0olqMD8

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Spectacular Sunsets in Africa

By on July 3, 2024 in Africa Safari, African Wildlife Federation, Zoo

Sometimes when I see the pictures of modern African safaris I worry that the lodges and other facilities are becoming too civilized, too westernized. Then I remember that feeling of falling asleep under canvas while listening to the amazing sounds of nature. It is something no big city will ever be able to replicate.

And in particular, as many a painter or photographer will tell you, the light is different there. No one can exactly put their finger on it, but if you have a good eye for art you can see and feel a painting that was made by the artist in Africa vs one painted from a photograph, even if it was after a trip into the bush.

The same goes for paintings of wildlife. A lion is a lion right, wherever he is? Not so. His great mane, the glint in his eyes, his cubs playing nearby, all look different and take on a much more majestic hue and aura in Africa than a similar scene in a zoo in the USA or Canada or Europe.

Photo with thanks from AA Lodge Kenya.

I remember not being able to sleep well the first night on my cheap safari to Botswana because of the bright moonlight shining across the plains. Later I would learn to sleep close to the LandRover so I could put my head underneath it to get some moon shade! But every night when the sun went down it was almost a mystical break at the end of the day.

All around the world people love to watch sunsets, but where else are they so rich and vibrant? Where else do they illuminate great shadows and shapes of the simple local African trees and other fauna? Where else do they so clearly indicate the heat of the day is over and now you can drift off to dinner and sleep in peace knowing nature is more wonderful than any of man’s creations.

Feel your silver or gold elephant hair knot bracelet tonight as the sun sets wherever you are and use it as a memory talisman of the days you spent in south Sahara Africa.

Does Your Old Man Wander Alone?

By on May 28, 2024 in Africa Safari, Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets, Wildlife preservation, Zoo

I took this photo on safari in Botswana almost 50 years ago, yet I remember the moment very clearly. We took a break from viewing wildlife to photograph the incredible stillness, peacefulness and calm in the reflections of a magic spot in the Okavango delta. I had wandered off from the rest of the party in search of a better camera angle when suddenly this giant old bull elephant came out of the trees, took one look at me, and then simply started to drink a lot of water. Notice how disguised he is. While I never saw or heard him coming out of the trees, I am sure he knew I was there all along!

elephant hair bracelet for Father's Day

After viewing big herds of elephants many other times on the trip, it always seemed so strange to see such big creatures wandering around alone. It is almost sad because you know they were once welcomed into a big herd, especially at mating season. Now no one needed them, yet they are usually still strong and will live a long, lonesome life while the matriarchs run the herds and frolic with all the younger ones in the river. And you know they remember the good times since an elephant famously never forgets. Like humans, they have very big brains and theirs is also in two sections so as to increase the surface area where all the important receptors and memory cells interact.

Do take a moment every so often to remember your own father so he is not alone with his own thoughts, even if he lives in a communal environment. If he ever lived or visited Africa, maybe some elephant related message or product would be appreciated.

Elephant hair knot bracelets are great examples of such items as they may be worn daily by men or women and make great birthday and Father’s Day gifts. Nowadays they are usually made of silver or gold or artificial elephant hair. Just be sure to not support the poachers by purchasing real elephant hair or ivory products.

Martin Foden

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Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets and Safari Jewelry

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