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Current
Temporary Exhibitions at
The Bead Museum
Silver: from Fetish to
Fashion
May 10, 2007 - April 30, 2008
 Extraordinary
silver jewelry from the far reaches of the globe awaits visitors in
this unusual exhibition. The allure of silver spans continents and
centuries. In many cultures it was and is still considered a sacred
metal imbued with unique properties of protection and healing.
Exquisite pieces transcend the label of ethnic jewelry to become
fashion statements beyond borders.
Tribal people
purposefully wear silver for various reasons
including: adornment; honoring the ancestors; healing; protection;
portable wealth; and to lock the wearer’s soul to their body. Some
of the most dramatic pieces are from the hill tribe peoples of
Northern Thailand. The H’mong, Lisu, Akha, and Dong people cover
themselves in massive, usually hollow, pieces making bold statements
about cultural identity.
 The
jewelry is divided into six regions: North Africa & the Arabian
Peninsula; The Americas; Southeast Asia; Central Asia; China; and
India. Select pieces provide a sampling of techniques and symbolism
that share commonalities throughout the cultures represented in
these regions. The pieces are generally no older than the mid-19th
century; others are contemporary.
The exhibition
closes in April 2008. It is sponsored in part
by: Arizona Commission on the Arts, Portland Bead Society, West
Valley Arts Council, Arizona Community Foundation, and Wells
Fargo.
Click here to learn
about special workshops and a free public lecture series.
Above photos are the
copyright of Daniel and Serga Nadler. Photos below are the copyright
of The Bead Museum.
Other
Temporary Exhibitions
Earth and Fire:
Ceramic Beads from Around the World |
