Amulets and Symbols in Jewelry Design

Whether you call them amulets, charms, fetishes, or talismans, virtually every culture had them.  I like to think of them as little works of art, but they are so much more than that.  They were worn on the body to bring luck, heal, enhance fertility, protect against injury (during travel, hunting, or from bites and stings) or ward off evil, depending on the wearers beliefs and intentions.  They came in many forms, made with different materials, and adorned with different symbols. The meaning and significance in the symbolism of a particular image changed from east to west, culture to culture, and even day to day.  Even if you do not believe in their magical powers, it is fun to know the intention of the artists who created them, and the power felt by the person who wore them before you, as many of the pieces are antiques.  Below is a list of amulets and symbols found in many of the pendants and beads in KatieO jewelry.

Tuareg Cross:

The Taureg cross comes from the nomadic tribes of North Africa and was used as a talisman against the evil eye, and was considered a powerful good luck charm.  It was originally worn by men, and would be given to a boy when he reached puberty.  Traditionally it was given from father to son, where the father would say  “ my son, I give you the four corners of the earth, because no man knows where he will die.”  The number four is usually found engraved on the cross as a symbol of the four directions, north, east, south, and west.  Engravings of the eye of a chameleon and the tracks of the jackal are also poplar symbols, both signs of strength and cunning.  It is unrelated to Christianity.

Photos:

Top Left:  Tuareg Cross  pendants from the KatieO Collection

Bottom Right:  Tuareg Cross Pendants from the KatieO Collection