Photos

Comments

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  Thelma March 17, 2014 at 8:04pm

  I understand that status could be judged by the size and magnificence of the button. Things never change! I have Anna to thank for this one.
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  Anna Garner March 17, 2014 at 8:31pm

  I thought I recognized that beauty, Thelma.  Thanks for adding it to your fine collection and for posting it here.  Stupendous photo!

  Anna
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  Thelma March 18, 2014 at 9:15am

  Thank you Anna and Marc; and Sarah for the feature. Yes, its size and beauty may have an impact. But also the dense pattern of symbols on its surface (I have rarely seen so many on one guljaka) are as important, telling the about the history and beliefs of the group. A vigorous and confident shout.
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  Thelma March 18, 2014 at 9:20am

  You know, I love beads. But I also love the way people can use metal in decorative ways to send messages of quite complicated kinds. Can this also be done with beads? I am a novice here.
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  Anna Garner March 18, 2014 at 12:30pm

  The Kazakh silversmiths among the Turkmen tribes create hollow flat beads with repetitive symbols in granulated silver.  Most often it will show a circle of silver dots in the center bordered with triangular patterns that may well be based on the mountain symbol or tumar.  Those are the most complex designs I have found on beads.  My other beads tend to contain motifs that are used in other Asian cultures; in other words, they don't express the tribal world view as the larger pieces do.

  Outside the Turkmen cultural tradition, beads carry a lot of significance even in the material from which they are made.  I am thinking of the agate eye beads that had been adopted throughout the continent of Asia in very ancient times.  
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  Thelma March 19, 2014 at 8:56am

  Ah yes, the patterns on metal beads.. maybe they can be interpreted. And the agate eye beads are very compelling. Thanks Anna.