[Jewelry making - Article 00516] - Re: [Orchid] Jewelry and "Cultural Property"

[Nanz Aalund]

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Jesse,

    Your question is fascinating. Having done considerable research into
    symbol systems, world religions, and esoteric belief systems which
    create metaphor in order to speak to a collective unconscious... I
    feel that if you can bestow upon the object you are creating the same
    reverence a culturally indigenous person would, then I don't think
    anyone could accuse you of exploitation. Meaningful adornments
    acquire their meaning through the intent of their maker. 

    If you are making copies of "doodads" for profit with little other
    thought in mind then you will be creating the problem you fear. 

    Alternatively, you could do more research into the primary meaning
    of the sacred object or symbol, find other universal symbols that
    concur then by applying your own cultural voice to the meaning,
    create a new symbol. 

    This is, to my mind, the very essence of jewelry making. 

Nanz Aalund
Associate Editor / Art Jewelry magazine
21027 Crossroads Circle / Waukesha WI 53187-1612
262.796.8776 ext.228
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