It would not be an odd thought that decorating the body, crafting jewellery and, more generally, spending time on beauty was a sign of abundance of ressources in a community. However, decorations and handicrafts are seldom only a cherry on the top but most often a fundamental part of society. In the ethnographic collections at Moesgaard Museum, we have beautiful and alluring jewellery from various societies around the globe, and today I’ve found a selection for you to adore.

Necklace, Masai, Kenya/Tanzania

 

Necklace, Turkana, Kenya

 

Necklace, Nuristani, Afghanistan

 

Anklet, Ethiopia

 

Head jewellery, Eli, New Guinea

 

Necklace, Qatar

 

Necklace, Isolo, Kenya

 

Glass bangles, Syria

 

Necklace, Mummy, Adamawa, Nigeria

 

Head Jewellery, Wodaabe, Niger

 

Anklets, Wodaabe, Niger

// Cecil Marie Schou Pallesen, curator