On the Menu at Twiga: Tribal Art, Baubles and Feel-Good Vibes

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Who couldn't use a little extra love, good health or positive energy—not to mention some earthy new accessories for spring? Lucky for us, Tanzania-born jewelry designer and gallery owner Twiga Mbunda has plenty of charm (both material and spiritual) on hand this week at her namesake Presidio Heights gallery. She'll be showcasing her one-of-a-kind, African-inspired jewelry in a special exhibit alongside three private collections of tribal art.

The bold, vibrant necklaces, bracelets and other trinkets are handmade from antique African beads, precious metals and semi-precious stones that were once worn by indigenous people (Mbunda has been acquiring these impressive treasures over the past three decades.) To her customers, the pieces are talismans that bring attributes such as strength, vitality and fertility to those who wear them.

Mbunda, who lived in Africa until 1985, has sold her designs to upscale retailers such as Barneys and Saks. In 1998, she opened her Sacramento Street gallery. And since then, the designer has been giving a portion of the store's proceeds to the Mbinga Children's Organization, an orphanage in Tanzania that she and her brother helped to build.

The exhibition runs through Saturday, Feb. 27th; 11am to 7pm daily.