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IST 605: Jewelry and Culture Significance Across Cultures

Resources that explore the connection between jewelry and culture, and how the two intersect to communicate various meanings within a society.

Asia and the Pacific Islands

Pacific Jewelry and Adornment.

Neich, Roger., Pereira, P. Fulimalo., & Pfeiffer, Krzysztof (2004).

Book, available through SUNY Albany Libraries. 

WorldCat Link

ISBN: 9780824828820

Authors Neich, Pereira, and Pfeiffer explore the significance of jewelry in the Pacific Islands through 250 photographic examples. Physical material, such as jade and whale bone, is taken into consideration while understanding the use of the jewelry. They analyze the cultural, social, and spiritual meanings through who wore the jewelry and when they wore it. They do not limit to one era or time period, but instead follow jewelry through history up to the contemporary period.


 

The Shield-Shaped Jade Pendant: A Singular Han-Dynasty Type and Its Later Revivals. 

Erickson, S. N. (2018).

Journal Article, Available Online

Erickson traces the use of jade pendants in Chinese burials during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, from the Han dynasty into the Qing dynasty. He evaluates social class of those buried with jade pendants, and why these pendants were seen as important parts of a proper burial. He also notes transformation of the pendants from strictly burial items to decorative items in the later years. 

 

Jewellery of the Indian Subcontinent: A Significant Cultural Element

Ali, M., & Abbas, M. (2022)

Journal Article, Available Online

This article explores the importance of jewelry in India during the Colonial Era, between the 18th and 20th centuries. Specifically, the authors look in depth at the usage of jewelry to convey power, status, and wealth by members of Mughal, Rajput, and Sikh communities. Diamonds and other precious stones conveyed various spiritual and cultural meanings. This article looks into the usage and wearing of jewelry by men, women, and children.