While modern shapes and patterns may be new, earrings have actually been in existence for more than 7,000 years. In ancient cultures throughout Asia and Northern Africa, these pieces were traditionally worn by the wealthy elite who relied on accoutrements to communicate their status and position in society. In the Mesoamerican region of what is now Central America, earrings had religious significance and were worn by both men and women to honor pre-Hispanic deities. In ancient Peru, leaders adorned themselves in ceremonial garb, including earrings, which may have been used to indicate rank, function, religious codes, as well as emblems of power and prestige. Throughout history, earrings have been markers of social position and identity. While we may forget that this tremendous history lies behind a pair of modern earrings, global artisans work to keep ancient traditions alive.
Attention to detail, patience and expert craftsmanship are the essential ingredients that go into every pair of traditional earrings. Whether the style involves hand-beading, copal wood carving, metal work, fabric or filigree, processes often date back generations, and are handed down through families and artisan communities. One of the oldest methods of earring-making is jewelry casting. It is an art form that has been in existence for thousands of years. From the time that ancient civilizations learned to melt metal, they have been pouring molten gold and silver into cavities of stone, plaster, sand, and cuttlefish bone. Once hardened, castings were then broken free from their encasings and tooled into shape. While much has changed since these primitive forays, much remains the same. Around the world, artisans still use metal casting as an important process in jewelry making. Many cultures also make use of metal threads in their jewelry. Silver alloy, for example, is made in sheets or fine threads using a range of tools. Filigree, a delicate and beautiful art form, uses a process of weaving thin metal threads into a particular pattern or design. Regardless of the method of production, each pair of traditional earrings reflects the artisan's unique vision combined with processes passed down through generations.
I have a pretty substantial collection of folk art, and at the time that I purchased these, I had only four items in my collection which arguably depicted people. I tend to much prefer animals, plants, and geometric forms.
However I really like Quipac's earrings and his page is one I check almost every month to see if he has new work. When I saw these, these struck me not so much as people as representations of a culture and a costume displayed in a beautiful geometric pattern. They were also on sale at the time!
I got them, and have them displayed on a jewelry tree I also got from Novica, where they are accompanied by bats from Indonesia and some other work by the same artist depicting a leaf and a flower.
These were purchased as a Christmas gift for a good friend. They are just absolutely beautiful with intricate details. My friend loved them. Thank your for your artistry.
The only thing I would change is to put them on a post versus the 's' clasp. They are stunning earrings. The detail is amazing and they are so much more impressive in person. After I get the posts put on I will wear them for specialty occasions. They really are gorgeous.!
"I believe my designs help show the richness of our Mexican culture and share this with the rest of the world."
"I consider myself to be a woman in love with Mexican handicrafts in all their forms. I was born in the state of Guanajuato and I'm a jewelry... read more
The Catalogue Collection
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.