|
Tagua Nut Sliced Necklace
Tagua is considered the new ECO "ivory" because of it's strength, color, beauty and resilient qualities. Tagua seeds come from the Tagua Palm tree found in the Pacific coasts of the tropical regions between Colombia and Ecuador.
Before the invention of plastics, and when ivory had become scarce, tagua seeds had been used for hundreds of years as a raw material for luxury articles, and with the ascent of plastics, tagua was disposed of. But in the last decade tagua is living a GREEN revolution, and is valued again for its beauty, for its characteristics, as a natural, biodegradable, sustainable, and renewable resource, and as a way of protecting and saving the elephants and rain forest in our fragile world. This source of tagua jewelry acquires tagua nuts from strict ecological controlled environments, making sure that sufficient seeds are left to perpetuate the palms, and the tagua native habitat.
View More Tagua Nut Jewelry...
|
 |
|
MNMF Shops Gift Cards
Perfect for any gift giving!
Take a look at our great online shops:
|
|
|
|
|
Jewelry has played 3 basic roles throughout history - as ornament, amulet and symbol of wealth! Jewelers as artists are evident throughout history and this artistry and craftsmanship has been practiced in almost every condition in which civilizations have existed!
With the weather warming up, it's time to say off with the scarves and on with more jewelry.
There are lots of choices out there, and we've rounded up quite a few for your consideration, whether you're looking to update your own wardrobe or shop for a gift -- since Mother's Day, Father's Day and graduations galore are all right around the corner.
|
|
|
Community Building Jewelry
 Zulu Cascade Twist Necklace
Thanda Zulu beaded jewelry is handmade by previously unemployed women in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa as part of the Zulu Beadwork Project. The project was started by Janet Shaw as a way to combat the economic legacies of apartheid and empower impoverished women through traditional craftsmanship. The women are given ownership of the beadworking process, designing pieces and buying the beads themselves.
Thanda Zulu pays its beaders 10-15 times the market rates for each piece of jewelry, ensuring a good wage. This jewelry is a critical form of income for these women, giving them a way to empower and support themselves, and their children. In a province where over a third of the population is unemployed, rural women struggle to find ways to feed and clothe their families. The Zulu Beadwork Project offers them an opportunity to uplift their families and communities. When large orders are received, entire villages will often help to make the pieces. The women are able to make the jewelry in their rural homes, which allows them to care for children and save money on transportation. They come into the city just once a week to drop off the jewelry and get new orders. When they return to their village, they not only carry with them a good wage, but pride in their work and hope for their community.
View More Jewelry from South Africa...
|
|
Culturally Significant Jewelry
 Guatemalan Embroidered Cuff Bracelet
Since pre-Columbian times, backstrap weaving has represented a form of artistic expression and cultural identity. Through the use of traje (traditional clothing), the Maya, especially the women, make a personal statement of individuality within their community. As communities of indigenous families move through the 21st century, some of the traditional clothing and adornments are being lost to modern lifestyles.
Finding and re-purposing some of these materials will help preserve the beauty and significance of culturally important traditions. These fabric cuff bracelets have been made from old huipils found throughout villages in the highlands of Guatemala.
View More Jewelry from Guatemala...
|
|
Ethnicity Sustaining Jewelry
Afghanistan Turquoise and Carnelian Earrings
Jewelry of the Turkoman and Afghani peoples of Central Asia include sterling filigree and rich gemstones found throughout their region. Large deposits of turquoise, lapis lazuli and carnelian offered them the resources to build an important culture, rich with aesthetic beauty, adornments and symbols of their ancient history. Constant political upheaval in this part of the world is a challenge for artists and crafts people to maintain their heritage and historical significance in their culture today. Small groups of communities continue to create and maintain ethnic traditions through their art and craft.
|
|
|
Have You Joined the Museum of New Mexico Foundation Yet?
|
When you do, you will receive 10% off all purchases made online and at our shops. Plus, you will receive the Museum of New Mexico Foundation Newsletter, which is your source for Member News and Events. You will also receive a subscription to El Palacio magazine, the oldest museum magazine in the United States! Click here to join.
|
|
|
