We have a vast collection of images here which have been shared over the years ...
Click on an image to see the discussions around the piece.
Enjoy!
You need to be a member of Ethnic Jewels to add comments!
Request your copy of our newsletter.
If you would like to receive our newsletter
Comments
Betty, isn't the pentagram a Masonic symbol? Is there any connection?
Yes, I think you are right, it is a Masonic sign, too. But I believe the pentagram is being used by different cultures around the planet. and the Freemasons are likely to have picked it up somewhere rather than being the "inventors". Unfortunately, I am afraid I am no expert in this field...
In Ethiopia, however, the pentagram can be seen as a reference to the seal of Solomon. Wikipedia says:
"The Seal of Solomon (or Ring of Solomon; Arabic: Khātim Sulaymāni خاتم_سليمان) is the signet ring attributed to King Solomon in medieval Islamic tradition, later also in the Jewish Kabbalah and in Western occultism. It was often depicted in either a pentagram or hexagram shape; the latter also known as Shield of David or Star of David in Jewish tradition."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagram
Lloyd Grahams' publication on Ethiopian and Tuareg magic rings explains this in more detail on page 29ff.
NB: Both Ethiopia and Morocco actually have a pentagram in their respective flag...