Sunday, November 27, 2016

Sebèkolo collection


At all times, throughout the history of the world, men and women of all cultures, whatever their origins, their locations, their beliefs, have always possessed a symbolic object to protect themselves from evil spirits and/or to attract the good graces of the spirits.  The object commonly referred to as: an amulet, a talisman, or Gris-Gris depending on the name given in the region of the people who wear them, has various meaning and significance for whoever wears them.  Whoever wears the object is free to interpret the meaning of it from their own beliefs and traditions.  The symbolism of the object is associated to them.

It is on this theme that I created the Sebèkolo collection.
Sebèkolo is a malinké word, which means protection.

I have always thought that both amulet and talisman offer protection to whomever wears it. I was quite surprised to learn that there is a subtle difference between them.

First let's explain this difference !


"An amulet is an object whose most important characteristic is the power ascribed to it to protect its owner from danger or harm.  Amulets are different from talismans as a talisman is believed to bring  luck or some other benefit, though it can offer protection as well."

Source wikipedia

I made this necklace with an antique key which is archeological dug, on which I dangled a fossilized Orthoceras, also known as "Straight Horn" from Mother Earth's underwater garden,



tied with Tibetan mala seed, bone and Dzi beads, petrified rainbow wood, a leather bag (reused from a tibetan necklace) and handmade ceramic drop bead.


Each of these gemstones have their own properties, but when associated together, they have a protective and healing power.


I wire wrapped handmade ceramic egg shell  crackled tube beads with pure copper wire, then, used vintage rusty metal skeleton key with  patina as pendant and I dangled a variety of artisan beads, intricately handmade leather bag with a cowry shell, handmade tribal ceramic drop,deer antler, wood bead and silk ribbon.


Amulet vary considerable according to their time and place of origin.


I made this simple and elegant amulet which has a powerful healing resonance to them.  It has African turquoise, mixed gemstones, handmade lampwork bead etched with tribal Sgraffito design.
   

Dangled from the necklace is a vintage Ethiopian camel bone pendants which is also known as medicine stick pendants, as they were used by the tribe's Shaman for healing purposes.
The circular pattern was believed to protect from the evil eye.


Amulets are like magic charms, worn by people to protect themselves from negative energies, evil and injury, and also to bring good luck.


As always, thank you so much for stopping by!