Ancient Islamic

 

Islamic amulet pendant

This amulet is made out of various materials such as silver, glass, enamel and amber. The cloisonné technique is used on this necklace to create details on the metal. The amulet Is the hollow, silver bead that serves as a pendant, and also as a place to hold religious text.

For spiritual purposes Muslims use this amulet when praying. The pendant holds a text called Dua. It is a prayer that Islamic culture believe in. It is also among the teachings of the culture. 

Hindu amulet

Hindu amulets Phra Mae Uma Devi
Luxmi Phra Shiva lucky success
remove obstacle charm pendant

 This amulet was created by a magician monk in Nakornsrithammaraj province of Thailand. However though this amulet is made out of brass metal. The people of Thailand believe that this amulet was created by the Monk, and the monk blessed the amulet for using as a miracle maker and protection amulet. The name of this amulet is Phra Mae amulet. Hindu people use it as a pendant and to protect themselves in evil spirits. It can also bring success and good luck to the owner. Hindu people believe that the image of Devi Naga on the pendant is very powerful in making the wearer fill safe from any harmful thing. Good things will unexpectedly happen to you as a owner of this amulet, weather you keep this amulet in your house or you go with it anywhere you go. 

Zulu amulet

 

Isiphandla 

A bracelet like this is made out of goat or sometimes in a cow skin. There are specific parts where you can cut this bangle on these animals. It is either on the eye socket of a goat, or on the lag of a cow. 

The Zulu bangle is worn to create a connection with the ancestors. It is also used for many traditional purposes. There are certain rules that you can not break while wearing Isiphandla. For example as a wearer before cutting the wristband off you must inform your ancestor. 

 

Tunisia(Contemporary)

 

 Hamsa hand pendant

The material used on the above image are sterling silver and carnelian gemstone. In order for the hand to have these details, sawing, soldering and the rub over setting are used as techniques. It is also made by hand.  

The Islamic culture uses this amulet by means of spiritual purposes. It is used for protection against the evil eye. If this hand is facing down it is believed to bring answers to the prayers of the wearer. The symbol of an eye is added in the palm to as an additional layer for protection. 

SM(Contemporary)

Silver Rihana chain with Hamsa, Tunisia

In the modern day, people wear the Hamsa hand which is an amulet. The Hamsa amulet is used as a sign of protection from the evil eye. It is commonly used in jewellery mostly as a pendant. 

 

Ring(contemprary)

Sterling silver ring, cable stitch, year made 2023

Although jewellery is the oldest form of expression, it also falls under the contemporary way in terms of jewellery making. Contemporary jewellery means a jewellery piece that is relevant or based on the current trends. My concept focuses more on the cable. In jewellery terms the word cable refers to a wire that is made of different precious metals. The above picture depicts a ring made out of sterling silver by Mzweni Tshongweni. It relates to the contemporary way of making jewellery because of the cable(wire) that is being used on the ring. Today cable is made in a much more delicate way in jewellery pieces.

Maasai (Traditional)

 

Late 20th century, glass beads, wire

The above picture depicts the glass beaded jewellery variations made in Kenya. There are three beaded pieces on this picture, from the top it is the Maasai crown piece and in the middle is the neckpiece made out of glass beads. All of these pieces are worn to signify tribal tradition, adornment and marital status. It is a traditional way for young Maasai women to receive beads from whom they want to marry at the age of fifteen to sixteen. According to Bruce Metcalf "Traditionally, jewelry is made to be attached to the body or to clothing". My jewellery concept relates to the traditional way, how so? Because it can be worn as an adornment jewellery. My jewellery can be attached to the body or clothing, because I can make earrings.\ and that can be attached to the body.