Ancient Connections

Been busy working on several projects lately, which include an illustrated ad for a non-profit organization, several writing projects, and of course my latest hobby, jewelry making.

I’ve been trying to figure out why I’m so connected to the jewelry right now. I’ve already got my creative plate full, so why did I feel the need to add more projects?

I’m sure the answer is multifaceted (oops, was that a bad pun?), but I figured out one tiny part of the allure this morning.

I subscribe via email to Heritage Key, which sends daily updates, blogs and articles about the ancient word – from museum openings to lighting Hadrian’s wall, and the latest on digs, research, and ancient history. For example, did you know that the ancient Chinese used sticky rice in their mortar to make it extra strong? No? Neither did I until this weekend. But thanks to Heritage Key, now I know. LOL. SO, if you love archeology and ancient cultures, I highly recommend you check Heritage Key out.

So, anyway, this morning I received an email about the Top 10 Minoan Treasures to See at the British Museum, and they featured this Minoan earring:

(photo by Ann)

This earring was created sometime between 1850 and1550 BC, and is part of the Aigina Treasure, which was discovered at Aigina, about 30 kilometers from Athens. Apparently large earrings are often seen in Minoan art, but this pair of gold hoop earrings are the “largest and most elaborate examples actually discovered.”

Okay, thanks for indulging my geekitude. So, looking at this earring this morning, not only was I just blown away by just how cool it was, I felt a connection with the artisan who made it all those centuries ago. Now that I’ve been working with metal wire and beads, I can envision the artisan creating it. It became more alive to me now that I know a little bit about the techniques involved in making it.

Plus, it’s amazing how so many of the techniques I’m learning today have aparently been used since ancient times. How cool is that?

Lastly, I’m figuring out why I’m drawn not to glass beads, but rough looking opaque semi precious stones and simple wire techniques. There’s part of me that likes to imagine that I’m squatting on a mat in a hut, just like an ancient artisan, making treasure out of rock and metal.

LOL. So there you have it. Some pre-coffee insight into the depths of my geek tendencies. As I’ve been learning more about jewelry and my own design preferences, I’ve realized that this affinity for rocks and metal is something I want to strengthen as I continue to learn and develop my voice in jewelry.

Luckily I’ve got a big shipment of new stone beads on the way this week. I’ll see if I can channel my inner Minoan as I work with them.

-k.