Jewellery from the Orient

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Jewellery enhances beauty and signifies wealth, while also serving magical functions in traditional societies, attracting blessings and warding off evil. Women typically received most of their jewellery upon marriage, wearing it until their children grew up, after which it was preserved for future generations. This practice allowed Oriental vernacular jewellery to be passed down, with worn pieces often melted down to create new ones, thus preserving memories through craftsmanship. However, a shift occurred in the mid-20th century when traditional silver jewellery in the Near East began to be replaced by industrially manufactured gold pieces, leading to the loss of unique cultural heritage. Dr. Bir's collection stands as a testament to the beauty and variety of Oriental craftsmanship, having survived far from its origins. The book takes readers on an imaginative journey through regions such as Turkey, north-western Africa, Ethiopia, Yemen, India, Thailand, and along the Silk Road, showcasing the intricate history of jewellery. Ümit Bir, born in Freiburg in 1929 to a Turkish physician, developed his passion for collecting during a trip to north-east Africa in 1960, leading to 180 more explorations throughout the Near East.