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| Home > The History and Symbolism of Nepalese Jewelry Making | | The History and Symbolism of Nepalese Jewelry Making | | The History and Symbolism of Nepalese Jewelry Making
The women of Nepal and Tibet are often seen wearing oversized or even bulky pieces of jewelry. An up close look at this jewelry will show the rustic marks of hand craftsmanship. Though the jewelry is very beautiful, it lacks the clean lines of jewelry typically found in western markets, and it is definitely apparent that this Nepalese jewelry was made by hand, and not by machine.
In order to full appreciate the craftsmanship of Nepalese jewelry making you need to understand the history and symbolism of this craft. First of all it is important to understand that many of the jewelry craftsmen found in the mountains of Nepal are in fact not Nepalese but refugees who fled from Tibet when the Chinese invaded in the 1950's, and their descendants. It is also important to understand that many of the craftsmen are not men at all, but women.
Jewelry plays an important role in the culture of Nepal and Tibet. Jewelry is a part of dress, a symbol of spirituality, and a part of everyday life. This area of the world is predominantly Buddhist. The wearing of jewelry is a way to draw close to the gods. Jewelry also has the properties of an amulet, bringing protection from evil spirits to the wearer.
Most Nepalese jewelry is made of either copper or silver, though 24K gold is also used. The amount of metal used to create the jewelry makes each piece quite heavy. A Nepalese woman wearing her jewelry proudly can be weighed down by jewelry measured in pounds.
The most common stones used in Nepalese jewelry making are Turquoise and Coral. The very color of these stones is thick with symbolism. Turquoise, for example, symbolizes the sky and the sea and because the sky is endless the turquoise stone represents infinity, or the limitless ascension of the mind.
Though Turquoise and Coral are the most common stones used in Nepalese jewelry making, other stones are used as well. You are likely to find jewelry made with precious stones such are rubies and sapphires as well as jewelry made from semi precious stones such as amethyst, amber, jade, agate, garnet, lapis luzuli, carnelian and copal. Yak bone is also a popular material for making jewelry.
Many piece of Nepalese jewelry are actually representations of Sanskrit words. These words carry particular meaning for the wearer of the jewelry. The symbol for Om is often incorporated into jewelry. Om is the sound the universe makes as the planets travel through space. This sound has relaxing and healing properties. Wearing this symbol reminds the wearer of the peace that can be found by keeping harmony with Om.
Personal mantras are also inscribed into jewelry. A mantra is a chant that is used during meditation. One of the most popular manta's that is often inscribed in Nepalese jewelry is the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. When chanted, this mantra will connect you to the tune of the universe. In addition to Om and personal mantras, Nepalese jewelry is often made to display the eight auspicious symbols which carry great meaning for the wearer. Each of these symbols represents an aspect of Buddhist teaching.
In Nepal, jewelry is said to contain healing properties. Bracelets are often worn to bring healing balance to the energy of the body and the energy of the soul. These bracelets are often crafted from copper, nickel and brass.
Dzi beads, or God beads are a very important part of Buddhist jewelry. Use of these beads can be traced back to 1000 B.C. These beads come in different shapes and sizes, each one capable of serving a different spiritual function. Dzi beads have the power of amulet, which means they carry sacred powers. Some are used to protect the wearer from evil spirits. Others protect against natural disaster, or increase energy levels. Some will bring good reputation and some promote decency.
Ghau boxes, or prayer boxes are worn as amulets that provide protection for the wearer. These Ghau boxes are typically crafted from silver. They bear intricate designs and are often embedded with jewels or stones. A Ghau box is worn on a chain as a necklace. The chain is long enough so that the box rests next to the heart. Inside the box is a scroll bearing a prayer that has been prepared specifically for the wearer by a Buddhist priest. The scroll will contain a symbol, a mantra, an image of Buddha, or a prayer. Sometimes, in place of the scroll the box will contain a gemstone which bears protective powers or even a bag of healing herbs.
The culture of jewelry making has been around for centuries, and has a long an rich history among the people of Nepal and Tibet.
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