Native American Cherokee tribe

  

Cherokee traditional garments have been passed down through the centuries as a kind of art. Native to the South-eastern United States, the Cherokee people have a rich cultural legacy that is reflected in their traditional jewellery.

Silver, copper, bone, and shell are just a few of the widely accessible natural elements used to make Cherokee ornaments. To produce distinctive and lovely items, these materials are frequently mixed with other components like beads, feathers, and leather. The utilisation of elaborate motifs that are indicative of the Cherokee culture is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Cherokee jewellery. For instance, numerous animals and flora that are significant to the Cherokee way of life, as well as the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west), are frequently shown in Cherokee jewellery.

 

The spiritual significance is also another thing that makes it so important to them. Cherokee garments/jewellery is frequently made for ceremonial uses, including weddings, funerals, and other significant occasions. These objects are thought to have spiritual power and frequently have specific meanings. The Cherokee also wears rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces of jewellery. These items frequently include distinctive designs and dexterous beadwork that pay homage to Cherokee culture. Both the Cherokee people and the general public have recently developed a renewed interest in Cherokee traditional customs
. Numerous Cherokee artisans are producing stunning and distinctive jewellery with traditional designs as well as contemporary elements.

 Overall, Cherokee cultural jewellery plays a significant role in the preservation of this heritage. It is a beautiful and meaningful art form that is still practised today thanks to its distinctive designs and use of organic materials.

References

American Indian Originals (2010) Cherokee Indian traditional beadwork jewelry. Available at: http://americanindianoriginals.com/cherokee.html

 Cherokee Jewelers and Artists (no date) Cherokee, NC. Available at: https://visitcherokeenc.com/cherokee-jewelry

 Colombia has stunning and elaborate designs that they incorporate into their jewellery and is used in a way to represent their cultural past. Jewellery has been a significant part of Colombian culture for thousands of years, expressing everything from social position to religious beliefs.

Pre-Columbian gold jewellery uses an ancient art technique, which dates to roughly 500 AD, it is characterised by its elaborate designs that draw their inspiration from nature, animals, and people. These pieces of jewellery were worn by the affluent members of society since the gold employed in them was regarded as a symbol of riches and power. The filigree technique is another well-liked kind of Colombian cultural jewellery. Thin threads of gold or silver are twisted and woven to create beautiful motifs in this delicate and complicated type of art. The popularity of filigree jewels in Colombian culture dates back to the 17th century.

Colombian jewellery makes use of expensive stones like emeralds in addition to gold and silver. The finest emeralds in the world are produced in Colombia, and they are frequently utilised in customary jewellery designs. In Colombian cultural jewellery, other vivid gemstones including topaz, amethyst, and quartz are frequently used. They emphasises the significance of each piece as well as the materials used to create it. Crosses and other religious symbols are prominently featured in many of these sculptures, which are constructed with religious connotation in mind. Additionally, some objects are created to symbolise significant life occasions like weddings or births. The evolution of Colombian cultural jewellery over time is one of its most intriguing features. Although contemporary designers have drawn inspiration from Colombia's cultural heritage to produce modern pieces that combine the old with the new, traditional designs are still popular.

 Finally, Colombian cultural jewellery is a lovely and significant art form that displays the nation's rich cultural past. Everyone can find a piece of jewellery they like in Colombia, whether they prefer traditional or modern designs. Therefore, the next time you visit Colombia, make sure to look around the neighbourhood jewellery stores and bring home some of this exquisite and meaningful craftsmanship.

 

References 

Pre-Columbian Jewelry (no date) Pre-columbian jewelry. Available at: https://www.gia.edu/gia-museum-exhibit-pre-columbian-jewelry

 Publications (2016) David Bernstein Pre-Columbian Art. Extensive inventory of Pre-Columbian art from South America, including ancient objects in ceramic, textiles, bronze, copper and gold. Available at: https://www.precolumbianart4sale.com/publications/187/

Bulgaria

 

Bulgaria’s culture is reflected in the jewellery produced there. The jewellery has considerable cultural and historical worth in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. It is an integral component of Bulgarian culture and has been passed down from generation to generation.

The Martenitsa is one of the most well-known pieces of cultural jewellery from Bulgaria. On March 1st, Bulgarians wear the Martenitsa, a red and white bracelet or ornament. The custom has a long history and represents the arrival of spring a
nd the passing of winter. It is thought to bestow the bearer with good health, joy, and fortune.

The Kukerica is yet another important item of cultural jewellery from Bulgaria. A pendant or necklace called a "Kukerica" depicts the pagan deity of fertility, rebirth, and joy Kuker. Typically made of silver or gold, the Kukerica is frequently embellished with precious stones. Women use the pendant as a representation of fertility and good fortune. Another significant item of cultural jewellery is the "pojas," or traditional belt, of Bulgaria. Usually composed of wool or cotton, the belt is embroidered and beaded in great detail. The location and the event determine the belt's style and colour scheme. Both men and women wear the belt as a mark of their cultural identity and sense of pride in their country.

The traditional necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that are part of Bulgarian culture are also jewellery items. Typically made of silver or gold, the earrings are adorned with jewels, enamel, or filigree. The bracelets and necklaces are also crafted of silver or gold and frequently feature precious stones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

 

In conclusion, cultural jewellery from Bulgaria plays a distinctive and important role in the history and culture of the nation. It is passed down from generation to generation and shows the great range of Bulgarian traditions. Bulgarian cultural jewellery, including the Martenitsa, Kukerica, and customary belts, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, is a representation of the history and sense of identity of the nation.

 

 

 

 

 

References

Bulgaria: General Information (2022) National costume dolls. Available at: https://babogenglish.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/bulgaria-general-information/

Montiglio, D. (2021) 14 things you need to know about the ancient Martenitsa tradition, Foreigner.bg: Best Info for Expats. Available at: https://www.foreigner.bg/13-things-you-need-to-about-the-ancient-martenitsa-tradition/

 

Chinese ancient jewels

 China has a lengthy, developed cultural heritage. The tradition of manufacturing jewellery in the nation is one of the most fascinating aspects of this history. The magnificent patterns and painstaking attention to detail that distinguishes Chinese jewellery are a reflection of the nation's distinct culture and customs.

The employment of lucky symbols is one of the most important aspects of Chinese cultural jewellery. Many of the symbols found in Chinese jewellery are thought to bring happiness, luck, and prosperity. For instance, they frequently depicts the dragon, a strong and beloved beast in Chinese mythology. The dragon is a symbol of power, bravery, and wealth. The phoenix, the double happiness symbol, and the bat are other lucky symbols seen in Chinese jewellery.

The use of precious metals and stones in is a significant component as well. In China, jade has long
been regarded as the most valuable stone, and it is a common material for jewellery. Chinese jewellery also frequently uses other gems including coral, turquoise, and pearls. Another common metal used in Chinese jewellery is silver, which is frequently meticulously wrought to produce beautiful designs. The use of lattice work is one of the most distinctive features of Chinese cultural jewellery. This is the delicate craft of twisting and weaving tiny metal threads into complex designs. Their jewellery frequently employs this technique, particularly in items created during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Lattice work is highly regarded for its beauty and complexity and is frequently used to create intricate designs, such as dragon motifs. 

Chinese cultural jewellery has considerable cultural and historical significance in addition to its aesthetic worth. Numerous pieces are prized by collectors and historians as significant artefacts. The jade funeral suits worn by ancient Chinese emperors, which were thought to safeguard them in the afterlife, are some of the most famous examples of Chinese jewellery.

 
All things considered, Chinese cultural jewellery is an intriguing and significant aspect of the nation's rich cultural legacy. The elaborate filigree work and usage of auspicious motifs in Chinese jewellery reflect the nation's distinctive traditions and past. Chinese cultural jewellery is a must-see for anybody interested in the craft of jewellery manufacturing, regardless of whether you are a collector or just admire the beauty of exquisite jewellery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Cartwright, M. (2023) Jade in ancient China, World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org#organization. Available at: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1088/jade-in-ancient-china/

Chinese jade (no date) Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/Chinese-jade

Jade burial suit - legend and reality (2020) Joy of Museums Virtual Tours. Available at: https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/asia-museums/china-museums/beijing-museums/the-national-museum-of-china/jade-burial-suit/

 Milligan, M. (2022) The immortal armour of China's jade burial suits, HeritageDaily. Available at: https://www.heritagedaily.com/2022/03/the-immortal-armour-of-chinas-jade-burial-suits/143047

Saudi Arabia

 

Saudi Arabia is a nation big in heritage and culture, and wearing jewellery is one way for people to express this. Jewellery from Saudi Arabia is renowned for its elaborate patterns, vivid colours, and use of priceless metals and gemstones. It accurately reflects the history and cultural legacy of the nation.

 The Bedouin jewellery is one of the most well-known types of Saudi Arabian jewellery. The Bedouins are a nomadic people who have long resided in the Arabian Peninsula. Their silver and gold jewellery is distinguished by its intricate patterns and designs. Pristine stones like garnet and turquoise are frequently used as embellishments in jewellery. Women frequently wear bedouin jewellery, which is also passed down from generation to generation.

 

 

The Hijazi jewellery is another well-liked type of Saudi Arabian jewellery. The country's west has the Hijaz region, which is renowned for its stunning beaches and extensive history. This region is known for its huge, striking motifs and gold jewellery that frequently features this style. Both men and women wear jewellery, which is frequently embellished with priceless gems like rubies and diamonds.

Saudi Arabian ladies often adorn themselves in a lot of jewellery to show off their social standing. The more jewellery a woman owns, the more socially significant she is. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are some of the jewellery items Saudi Arabian ladies most frequently wear. The jewellery is frequently fashioned of gold and set with priceless gems like emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds.

Saudi Arabian jewellery has symbolic significance in addition to being beautiful. For instance, the jewellery worn by the Bedouin frequently depicts patterns that are significant to their culture, such as hospitality, tenacity, and bravery. Important events like weddings and religious festivals are
 other occasions when jewellery is frequently worn.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabian jewellery is an authentic representation of the nation's rich past and present. It is distinguished by its complex patterns, vivid colours, and usage of priceless metals and stones. Each item of jewellery, from Hijazi to Bedouin, tells a tale and embodies a significant element of Saudi Arabian culture. It is understandable why Saudi Arabian jewellery is regarded as a cultural treasure and is highly prized both within the nation and abroad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Discover the Bedouin jewelry of Saudi Arabia (2021) The Sentinel Record. Available at: https://www.hotsr.com/news/2021/may/23/discover-the-bedouin-jewelry-of-saudi-arabia/

Jewellery and Saudi Arabia (2021) The Zay Initiative. Available at: https://thezay.org/saudi-arabia-jewellery/

Saudi Aramco World : The beauty of Bedouin jewelry (no date) AramcoWorld. Available at: https://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/197902/the.beauty.of.bedouin.jewelry.htm

The Diversity of the Traditional Saudi Jewellery (no date) Al Romaizan Gold & Jewellery. Available at: https://alromaizan.com/blog/the-diversity-of-the-traditional-saudi-jewellery

 

Admiring Afghanistan

 

 

Afghani ethnic jewellery displays the country's legacy of varied cultures and traditions. Afghani jewellery is renowned for its extraordinary beauty and craftsmanship and has elaborate patterns and rare jewels. I will be exploring further into the various cultures and traditions that has influenced Afghanistan.

The Kuchi jewellery is among the most well-liked sorts of Afghani jewellery. The Kuchi tribes, which migrate across Afghanistan and Pakistan, are known for wearing it. Kuchi jewellery, which frequently combines metals, beads, and stones, is renowned for its vivid hues and creative patterns. Highly skilled artisans who have been passing down their methods from one generation to the next create the jewels.

Turkmen jewellery, created by the Turkmen tribes in northern Afghanistan, is another variety of Afghan jewellery. The jewellery is renowned for its daring patterns and unusual gemstones like lapis lazuli and carnelian that are incorporated into the pieces. On the day of their wedding, brides frequently wear Turkmen jewellery. Special events and festivals also call for wearing it.

Afghanistan is famous for producing silver jewellery that uses a range of methods, including filigree, engraving, and embossing. The elaborate designs on silver jewellery frequently include floral motifs and geometric forms. The designs frequently draw their inspiration from Islamic art, which has greatly influenced Afghan culture. Gemstones such lapis lazuli, emerald, and ruby are commonly used along with these kinds of jewellery. These stones are treasured for their distinctive beauty and scarcity, which is why they are frequently used in jewellery creations.

In conclusion the history of Afghan ethnic jewellery is extensive and goes back thousands of years. It has been moulded by centuries of trade and commerce with neighbouring nations, as well as by the varied cultures of the nation, including the Pashtuns, Tajiks, and Hazaras. Their use of bright colours and interact designs/patterns are what make it so extra ordinary and why they are still well known to this day. Afghani jewellery is still produced using age-old methods and serves as a representation of Afghan identity and culture today. 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Turkmen jewelry: Essay: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn timeline of art history (1AD) The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Available at: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/turk/hd_turk.htm

Tjori (2017) Afghan magic, Medium. Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@tjori/afghan-magic-e442e31eecba

Catching the Afghan jewellery trend (2022) - Stories From Our World. Available at: https://www.worldartcommunity.com/blog/2018/09/catching-the-afghan-jewellery-trend/#:~:text=The%20origin%20of%20this%20style,exuberant%2C%20joyful%2C%20and%20eclectic.

Ehsas, S. (2021) Kuchi jewelry, The Afghanistan of Today. Available at: https://afghanistannow.wordpress.com/tag/kuchi-jewelry/

 

Pakistan

 

The history and numerous cultural influences of Pakistan are reflected in its unique jewels. Since the beginning of time, jewellery has been a crucial part of Pakistani society, acting as a status, wealth, and beauty symbol. Since India and Pakistan used to be one country they share a lot of the same traditions hence why most jewels and garments are the same.

The jhumka, a hanging earring worn by women historically, is one of the most well-known styles of Pakistani cultural jewellery. From little and delicate to enormous and extravagant, these earrings are available in a variety of designs and sizes. Jhumkas are often fashioned of gold, silver, or brass, and they frequently have pearls or colourful stones as decorations.

The tikka, which is worn on the forehead and frequently goes with a matching necklace and set of earrings, is another widely worn piece of jewellery in Pakistan. Depending on the situation and personal desire, tikka designs can be simple or ornate. An other fundamental piece of Pakistani traditional jewellery is the bangle, or churiyan. These bracelets come in a range of materials, such as glass, gold, and silver, and are frequently embellished with elaborate patterns or vibrant stones.   Pakistani culture has both distinctive and modern styles in addition to traditional jewellery. While retaining the traditional aesthetic, contemporary Pakistani jewellery frequently uses Western designs and methods. While some modern pieces use geometric shapes, others incorporate organic details like flowers or leaves.

Men also tend to wear jewellery, such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces, as part of Pakistani tradition. Men's jewellery typically has more subtle styles with geometric or Arabic calligraphic elements.

Finally, it should be noted that Pakistani cultural jewellery is a stunning and varied form of art that has developed over thousands of years. Pakistani jewellery features both traditional and modern designs that pay homage to the nation's rich history and cultural influences. Pakistani jewellery gives a sense of class and sophistication to every outfit, whether it is worn on important occasions or just as a daily accessory.

 

 

References

Brar, K. (2022) Pakistani women's favorite traditional jewelry, Amazel Designs. Amazel Designs. Available at: https://www.amazeldesigns.com/blogs/news/pakistani-womens-favorite-traditional-jewelry

Jewellery and jewelled objects of Pakistan (no date) Asia InCH – Encyclopedia of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Available at: https://asiainch.org/craft/jewellery/

Rizwan, A. (2022) Reading Pakistan's jewelry, Art Jewelry Forum. Available at: https://artjewelryforum.org/articles/reading-pakistanaes-jewelry/

Namibian jewellery

 

The history of Namibian jewellery goes back to the pre-colonial era, when indigenous peoples created jewellery out of natural materials including ostrich eggshells, animal bones, and ivory. New resources, such glass beads, came along with the entrance of European colonisers, inspiring the creation of new jewellery design

Jewellery now mixes traditional components and methods with contemporary styles and materials. Ostrich eggshells, animal bones, semi-precious stones, leather, and silver are a few of the materials most frequently used in Namibian jewellery. The most unique and widely recognised style of jewellery made in Namibia is most likely made of ostrich eggshell. The eggshells are polished and intricately carved before being linked to chains made of leather or metal. These items are frequently embellished with beads and other details, genuinely making them extremely rare.

Another well-liked type of jewellery in Namibia is made from animal bones. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are made by polishing and carving the bones into beads and pendants, which are then strung together. These items are frequently embellished with vibrant beads or other organic elements like seeds and shells.

 

In addition to being stunning, Namibian jewellery also has religious and cultural importance. Many of the traditional patterns and motifs used in Namibian jewellery are significant and symbolise several facets of  culture, including the nation's history, animals, and surroundings. Contemporary Namibian jewellers are producing contemporary and avant-garde items that appeal to a global clientele in addition to traditional styles. These designers are utilising conventional materials and methods in fresh and imaginative ways to produce gorgeous and one-of-a-kind items that highlight Namibia's rich cultural heritage.

 

Finally, Namibian jewellery is a distinctive and lovely representation of the nation's cultural heritage. Namibian jewellery reflects the nation's history, traditions, and natural surroundings, whether it is produced from traditional materials or modern ones. Its significance transcends mere ornamentation, making it an important and prized component of Namibian culture.

 

 

 

 

 

References

Burke, A. (2020) Exploring the jewellery of the Himba tribe of Namibia, Lore. Lore. Available at: https://lore.store/blogs/jewellery-blog/exploring-the-jewellery-of-the-himba-tribe-of-namibia

Namibia, G.C. (2021) The tale of the ostrich egg shell, The Narrative. The Narrative. Available at: https://narrativenamibia.com/blogs/news/the-tale-of-the-ostrich-egg-shell

The Bulgarian tradition of Martenitsa - Българска национална телевизия (no date) bnt.bg. Available at: https://bnt.bg/news/the-bulgarian-tradition-of-martenitsa-179851news.htm

 Traditional hairstyles and jewellery in the tribes of Namibia (2021) Ohorongo Private Game Reserve. Available at: https://ohorongo.eco/traditional-hairstyles-and-jewellery-in-the-tribes-of-namibia/