Jewellery

WEEK 2

                                                               
                                                     Ancient Egyptian Jewellery


I found this Ancient Egyptian Jewellery from http://www.myjewelrybox.com/articles/jewelrythroughtime/ found it from searching Egyptian Jewellery on google images.The first signs of jewelry date back to Africa over 75,000 years ago. Jewelry has been used for power, protection, worship, status, and beauty, and continues to carry its very particular meanings throughout various cultures. Jewellery is more than just a decorative fashion item; it has held a distinctive and valuable place in the evolution of cultures and societies throughout human history, providing insight into the political, sociological and psychological elements of the times. Pretty impressive, right? Just say that to the next person who tries to criticize you for wearing too much jewellery. 





Early Traces Of Jewelry

When the Cro-Magnons migrated from the Middle East and settled into Europe, they made necklaces and bracelets out of bones, teeth and stone, which hung from animal sinew. As decorative trophies from a triumphant hunt, primitive jewelry was worn to recount stories: a means of communication. Carved bone was also worn at this time, however this was purely for practical use, in order to hold clothing together. 

The Ancient Egyptians were the first to establish jewelry-making as a profession. Egypt was a class-based society and Egyptians were divided according to wealth and profession. Jewelry makers were considered middle class and were highly regarded for their skills, though they worked long hours and lived mainly in poor communities. 

Jewelry symbolized power and religious dominance and was believed to have magical properties, which protected Egyptian men and women from evil spirits, especially in the afterlife. When an Egyptian died, they would be buried with all their earthly possessions.

All social classes would wear amulets for protection, though the lower classes would wear ones made of cheap materials like clay.

Gold was the favorite metal of the pharaohs as it was considered the skin of the gods. The color of jewelry was also very significant. For instance, green jewelry meant new growth for crops and fertility. Notably, Cleopatra’s favorite gem was the emerald.