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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Hi,
it's their protection when they are young, (amuletic power) it is their savings from either their parents side and or when they get married , dowries or bride price. If there is a failure in the economy or the husband can not work or she is on her own, she sells them (silver or gold weight for melt) and then can support her family. It is out of necessity that they do it this way because the society knows woman can always be trusted to protect the family no matter what. It also makes the husband look good when she has her wealth around her. It's a symbol of the families power in as much as we use cars and houses today to show wealth and class. Since gold and silver prices are again strong, in this country many people are returning to liquidity by melting their valuables. So in some respects the use is the same.