Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands

by Rene Van Der Star

The Van der Star collection of ethnic jewellery is unique, both in size and quality, bringing together masterpieces from Africa, the Arab World, India, Central and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Each of these areas has their own specific designs, and their own specific uses and symbolism attached to jewellery. Materials used include gold, silver and many types of gemstones, but also archaic materials such as leather, coral, beads, bone, teeth, and shells. In this lavishly illustrated book, more than 500 magnificent pieces are presented in color, together with detailed descriptions. Authoritative texts are included about jewellery making, and the history, uses, and designs from the various areas. These chapters are further illustrated with historical and contemporary photographs of jewellery being worn.

255 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2007

Reviews

[Frederic · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review from Amazon: This is primarily a photo book, published to accompany an exhibit in Rotterdam of pieces from the collection of René van der Star. It's organized by geographic area, with short essays introducing each: Africa (Maghreb); Oman & Yemen; Central Asia (Turkmen); Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal & Tibet (mostly India); Southeast China & the Golden Triangle; Sarawak & Indonesia; and Pacific Islands (this last section notably smaller than the others). There's a good range of pieces and materials represented, and each section has at least a few photos of the ethnic peoples themselves wearing similar pieces of jewelry so that one gets the sense of what they look like in their original contexts. It's great for getting a sense of regional stylistic patterns, to help identify unknown pieces in one's own collection (so often available without provenance in US antiques shows and other second- or third-hand sources). Very large format, and excellent photographs.