Delightful Tribal Delightful

People often ask me if I make anything — everything (!) — at Momo, to which I’ve answered, “No, I’m not talented!” But lately, I’ve been rethinking my reply to be “Yes! I make friends.”

One of my favorite aspects of owning Momo is connecting with the special folk who create things for our little shop. Recently we’ve enjoyed the pleasure of visiting one such crazy talented individual in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Mr. Momo’s hometown, too): Chris Chookiatsirichai of Tribal Delightful.

She welcomed us into her Lyndale neighborhood studio/house where she lives with her partner and her loving pup, Loki for a private show of her pieces. Chris’ jewelry is as beguiling as her hapa mix of Thai Chinese, Japanese, Czech, German, Russian and Swiss. As we peruse the table, she shares stories of how each element speaks to her of what it will become. Rustic, yet refined, her adornments are painstakingly hand-worked from resources gathered from around the globe.

Antique tribal belt segments hand-tied into a lovely bracelet.

I posed the question of ‘What and Where?’ Her answer was as meticulous as her work: “Antique trade glass beads (originally Czech or Venetian in origin and then traded throughout parts of Africa), semi-precious stones (from Afghan, India, North and South America, China), vintage glass (Czech and German, some Japanese), ‘organics’ (shell, wood, bone), and a mix of ethnic metals (Hilltribe Thai silver, Afghan vintage silver jewelry parts, handmade brass and copper — many pieces from Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, and Ivory Coast).” Whew!

Antique Japanese and Czech glass beads,
antique Nigerian brass - SOLD!

A bejeweled Cara.

Yellow hematoid quartz, antique Nigerian brass. 

Like snowflakes, each Tribal Delightful piece is unique, much like the people who appreciate it. We are so fortunate to have Chris’ creations in our Momo mix and we invite you to come discover why we find her jewelry so delightful. 

Leather-wrapped bracelets.

Proud Tom and his new bangle.

Good dog, Loki!