Jewelry as Lived History: Inspired by a Pre-Columbian Masterpiece
Jewelry isn’t just decoration, it’s lived history. One glance at the nose ring from the Chiriquí culture, a gold septum ornament from pre-Columbian Panama, reveals how intimately jewelry has been woven into human expression for thousands of years. This piece, tiny enough to slip through a nostril yet heavy with meaning, tells stories about life force, status, and connection to the sacred.
To the people of the Chiriquí region, gold wasn’t merely a precious metal; it embodied the breath of life itself. Nose rings like this were worn ceremonially. They signified rank, spirituality, and connection to the divine. The pierced triangle and diamond decoration make it both visually striking and rich in symbolic geometry.
Our jewelry, inspired by the artwork at the Walters Art Museum, makes a modern statement. Whether inspired by ancient forms or rooted in modern reinterpretation, jewelry continues to reflect who we are and why we wear it.
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