[Jewelry making - Article 00368] - [Orchid] Jewelry and "Cultural Property"

[Silverspotstudio]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

>     Almost all jewelers sell religious pieces, and not all jewelers
>     are religious. Some may sell modern design or ancient design. 

    I pulled this out of the "Ain't no biz!" thread   
    http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive/200604/msg00172.htm 

    because it relates directly to a question that's been bugging me for
    quite some time.

    I have a line of jewelry (which I hope to expand dramatically in the
    near future) based on amulets, talismans, and other doodads from
    cultures around the world. I love the idea of talismans and other
    "meaningful" adornments and have always had an interest in
    comparative mythology. Right now, though, I'm in a bit of a moral
    pickle because I want to make a hei-tiki to add to my line. I mean,
    *really* want to...I have modified the design of an old original
    carved from human skull bone, and I love this thing. I'm fascinated
    by the history and living culture of the Maori and the significance
    of the hei-tiki. My quandary is this: I don't want to offend any
    Maori people, and I don't want to be accused of "stealing" or
    exploiting anyone's culture. 

    Likewise, as a non-Jew (secular humanist, actually), can or should I
    make mezuzahs and menorahs, as I admire and respect their symbolism
    and their place in Jewish life? What about medicine wheels, or
    various and sundry Hindu deities? 

    I'm not asking permission in all this, as I know that, legally
    speaking, it's my right as an artist to make and to offer up for
    sale pretty much anything I want to. I'd really just like to know
    what all you wise people think of this, and if you've encountered
    similar situations or dilemmas in your own work. 

    Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts, 

Jessee Smith
www.silverspotstudio.com
Cincinnati, OH
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________