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Amber is fossilized tree resin that has been used in various ways since the Neolithic times. It has been used as an ingredient in perfumes, as a healing agent in folk medicine, and as jewelry. It could be categorized as one of the first recycled items that was picked up in nature and re-purposed into another life! Because it originates as a soft, sticky tree resin, amber sometimes contains animal and plant material as inclusions. Found from the Arctic to the tropics, from Mexico to Myanmar to the Middle East, amber can tell the stories of the people living in these communities and utilizing this resource.
The Baltic area still remains the most important source of amber. Rich deposits of amber are found particularly in Königsberg, which was previously in East Prussia, and now is known as Kaliningrad.
The variety of amber originating from this area is known as 'Succinite'. It is found here at two sources: from the sea and by mining. The sea amber from this area is easily carried by the sea, and can also be found in all parts of the Baltic coast, even as far away as Norway, Denmark and the east coast of Britain.
There are rich deposits of amber in the western hemisphere, particularly in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and in New Jersey!
The gift shop at the Museum of International Folk Art will be having a show and sale of amber jewelry on March 17-20. In particular, a large assortment of amber and sterling silver jewelry will be available.
View More Amber Jewelry...
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Re-Purposing: "To use or to convert for use in another format or product." Most communities around the world create and utilize materials found in their own environments to re-create another object for use in a totally different way. From raw materials found along the shoreline of the Baltic Sea to exploring a landfill in Harare, to picking up trash in the Himalayas, artists and entrepreneurs find a way to make something out of something else! This is the folk art of the people. Using available treasures and rebuilding them into something more valuable, more interesting and more beautiful than it was before. And on this fascinating, glorious planet, it seems that every hidden corner can proudly show their contribution to the creative mind! |
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Re-Purposed in Zimbabwe
Old tin cans and other scraps of metal from businesses in the industrial areas of Harare, Zimbabwe are turned into these delightful metal sculptures by artists using snips, pliers and hammers. They depict animals familiar in Zimbabwe, such as the nzou (elephant), shumba (lion), chipembere (rhino), and others.
The Improved Arts Metal Sculptors Project was formed in 1986 by five brothers who came from a poor background. Having discovered their artistic talents, they founded the group to depict African natural history through metalwork, and to earn a better living.
View More Zimbabwe Animals...
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Re-Purposed in India
Bangles-made from shell, copper, bronze, gold, agate and chalcedony have been excavated from multiple archaeological sites throughout India. A figurine of a dancing girl-wearing bangles on her left arm- has been excavated from Mohenjo-daro (2600 BC).
Today, an important embellishment in the wardrobe of an East Indian woman are the glass bangles that she wears on her arms, especially significant as she prepares for her wedding day. Glass breaks, and that opens the creative door to use this material to fashion something else. This collection of broken bangle jewelry includes jewelry boxes, votives and picture frames.
View More Re-Purposed Bangles from India...
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Re-Purposed in Nepal
These colorful baskets are handcrafted in Nepal by artisans in the remote mountain villages of Lapa, Tipling and Shertung. They are made using the discarded plastic wrappers from popular manufactured food products brought to the Himalayas by hikers and explorers. Recycling programs have been started in these villages to encourage the collection of non-biodegradable "trash" and to educate about the importance of protecting the environment. The local people in these villages want to maintain the beautiful surroundings of their home, collecting the discarded trash from visitors have turned into a powerful project!
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