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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This is an incredibly effective photo. I had not seen it before just now. This man is wearing a vestment very like an Orthodox Christian priest, but his pectoral ornament looks more like bozbend or even maybe a flattened hirz than a Christian cross or icon. Can you tell me something about his identity? Is he Jewish?
If I am reading the shorthand title of the photo, it says this is a woman? She is very imposing if female. But why would her cape and gown look so much like religious vestments? Just being curious.
I believe that most of the inhabitants of Harar are Moslem, it is one of the religion's great pilgrimage places, the city of 99 mosques. The necklace , to me, looks like a large amulet holder, which would be expected for a Moslem woman. Harrar is a fascinating place, the poet Rimbaud spent his last days there, they are famous for basket weaving and there is a tourist industry based on feeding the hyenas, quite a spicy place.
Fascinating, Patti. This woman certainly carries herself as being in an important place in the world. Thanks for your explanation. I wonder if hyenas could ever become domesticated? ;)
The picture is taken from a copy of Peoples of all nations the full description of this picture:
PROUD MASCULINE MOTHER OF FIGHTING MEN
Poised in her doorway in festival attire, this masterful woman of the once forbidden Somali city of Harrar is a blend of warlike invaders.
Somalis and Gallas and Bedouins and Egyptians and Abyssinians fought and also mingled.
Thank you, Sarah. The woman and the photographer both convey a strong sense of 'place.'