Why Are We as Humans Compelled to Adorn Out Bodies?
Emma Ames. Design Crafts Year 3. APPL 3301 Jan 2010
Why are we as humans compelled to adorn our bodies?
I have found myself being drawn towards metals and jewellery with my designs. But throughout the design process, I couldn’t help wonder why I kept gravitating in this direction. If I could work out what the appeal is with jewellery, why we choose certain styles and why we are influenced would this information help with my designs and justify my desire to create?
Whilst wondering what the inspiration for me to make jewellery was, it dawned on me that I love the Indian jewellery and body art. When I was a young child I lived for a period of about six years, next to, and very communally alongside a family of Indians. I realise now that I had been influenced by them and their decorative style. The saris and masses of bangles, nose rings and bindis became associated in my mind with family, happiness and security. I think this has played a part in my decision to make decoration for the body because it is what I grew up with and it became my sub culture. Culture and your surroundings obviously influence you subconsciously.
In Western cultures, decoration and fashion are sometimes dismissed as unimportant, even feminine activities, but decorating the body has taken place over human history.
It can be looked upon as silly and frivolous, but it is an important part of our ever changing culture. It is part of design and evolving styles. It is like a visual timeline. We are all actively taking part in this. In some cultures men, women, children and even animals are decorated. It seems widespread that in one form or another, we want to change or enhance what we have been given naturally. There are a wide range of reasons why we use adornment, it separates groups and individuals, shows allegiance to a cause, can be symbolic of your standing within a group, what you have achieved, whether you are single, of child bearing age or whether you are a good hunter. It
Why are we as humans compelled to adorn our bodies?
I have found myself being drawn towards metals and jewellery with my designs. But throughout the design process, I couldn’t help wonder why I kept gravitating in this direction. If I could work out what the appeal is with jewellery, why we choose certain styles and why we are influenced would this information help with my designs and justify my desire to create?
Whilst wondering what the inspiration for me to make jewellery was, it dawned on me that I love the Indian jewellery and body art. When I was a young child I lived for a period of about six years, next to, and very communally alongside a family of Indians. I realise now that I had been influenced by them and their decorative style. The saris and masses of bangles, nose rings and bindis became associated in my mind with family, happiness and security. I think this has played a part in my decision to make decoration for the body because it is what I grew up with and it became my sub culture. Culture and your surroundings obviously influence you subconsciously.
In Western cultures, decoration and fashion are sometimes dismissed as unimportant, even feminine activities, but decorating the body has taken place over human history.
It can be looked upon as silly and frivolous, but it is an important part of our ever changing culture. It is part of design and evolving styles. It is like a visual timeline. We are all actively taking part in this. In some cultures men, women, children and even animals are decorated. It seems widespread that in one form or another, we want to change or enhance what we have been given naturally. There are a wide range of reasons why we use adornment, it separates groups and individuals, shows allegiance to a cause, can be symbolic of your standing within a group, what you have achieved, whether you are single, of child bearing age or whether you are a good hunter. It
Bibliography: • Camphausen, Rufus C., 1997 “Return of the Tribal. A Celebration of Body Adornment”. Park Street Press. • http://www.raylier.com/article_info.php?articles_id= 30 (20.09.09) • Pitt Rivers Museum (Nov 2009)