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Guardians of Culture: Animalistic Expression of Identity. How fashion stands as more than garments and speaks for religious and economic practice.

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Guardians of Culture: Animalistic Expression of Identity. How fashion stands as more than garments and speaks for religious and economic practice.

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The 11 century, crescent-shaped pendant with Confronted birds crafted by an unknown artist not only encapsulates cultural heritage, but the intersectionality of aesthetics and symbolism in Islamic jewelry. The shape of the pendant, a crescent, symbolizes various forms of progress in Islam; the birds often being presented as guardians or tellers of Islam. Traditionally these pieces are worn by women, specifically women of higher social status as the pendants and their engravings are made out of gold, garnished with jewels.

The Bracelet with duck-headed terminals fashioned by an unknown artist in the 8th-7th century is a representation of advanced craftsmen ship. Whomever created the piece was experienced with metals and items such as bronze. While there is not solidified understanding of the ducks, it’s possible that they represent fertility or are tied to religious practices. Iran previously was known for its wetlands and lakes which alludes to the fact that ducks are a symbol of abundance or a symbol of commonly worshiped Gods. This piece is more of a specific representation of its time period.

The Cuff Bracelet with Cat Amulets originates from Egypt, Tomb of the Three Foreign Wives of Thutmose, ca. 1479-1425 BC. The bracelet showcases intricate craftsmanship as it provides a functional design while intertwining religious practices. cats are often known to stand as a symbol of fertility and protection, alluding, that owner of the bracelet would be brought blessings and comfort. Bracelets like such also stand as a representation of class as access to materials such as gold or turquoise glass would be limited; such high craftsmanship would be reserved for those of elite class.

Each pieces stands as its own unique representation of its time. Many showing social status and the economic background behind jewelry. All of the art is tied to different religious practices, but show the importance of animals in cultural. Hierarchy is revealed as jewelry is commonly worn by those of higher status, but can only be obtained by those of intricate craftsmanship. Though all were created in different locations and times they relay how identity and culture practices were experienced in various forms of self expression.

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Crescent-Shaped Pendant with Confronted Birds. Unknown artist.11th century.Egypt.Gold, cloisonné enamel, turquoise; filigree. H. 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm)W. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)

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Cuff Bracelet with Cat Amulets. Unknown artist. New Kingdom. Dynasty 18.ca. 1479–1425 B.C. Egypt, Upper Egypt,Tomb of the Three Foreign Wives of Thutmose. Medium: Gold, carnelian, lapis-lazuli, turquoise glass.    

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Bracelet with duck-headed terminals. Unknown artist.Iron Age III. Iran.ca. 8th–7th century. Medium: BronzeDimensions: 3/8 × 2 11/16 × 2 11/16 in. (1 × 6.8 × 6.8 cm) 