A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
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Betty, isn't the pentagram a Masonic symbol? Is there any connection?
Yes, I think you are right, it is a Masonic sign, too. But I believe the pentagram is being used by different cultures around the planet. and the Freemasons are likely to have picked it up somewhere rather than being the "inventors". Unfortunately, I am afraid I am no expert in this field...
In Ethiopia, however, the pentagram can be seen as a reference to the seal of Solomon. Wikipedia says:
"The Seal of Solomon (or Ring of Solomon; Arabic: Khātim Sulaymāni خاتم_سليمان) is the signet ring attributed to King Solomon in medieval Islamic tradition, later also in the Jewish Kabbalah and in Western occultism. It was often depicted in either a pentagram or hexagram shape; the latter also known as Shield of David or Star of David in Jewish tradition."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagram
Lloyd Grahams' publication on Ethiopian and Tuareg magic rings explains this in more detail on page 29ff.
NB: Both Ethiopia and Morocco actually have a pentagram in their respective flag...