From amulets to contemporary jewellery. Male jewelery and symbolism

Abstract

The present project contains two components: theoretical and practical. The historical material of the project is focused on research from the Migration period in Scandinavia, particular focus is on bracteates. The theoretical framework for this project has been based on the works of Märit Gaimster, Morten Axboe, Lotte Hedeager, Siv Kristoffersen, Bente Magnus, Rebeca Ross Rusell, Judit Butler, Roland Barthes and others. Also the present research contains references to such known contemporary jewellery artists like Lillan Eliassen, Tanel Veenre, Teresa Milheiro and Konrad Mehus. The challenge of this thesis is to stress a line of continuity from bracteates, through military medals to contemporary medals and pins - and further on to my own design. The practical part of the project has been realized through a collection of male jewellery (medals). The main point of this collection is to show my own way of construction and interpretation of contemporary men's addorments based on the historical material and taking into account modern views. It is important to point out that the practical part has a link to the medal, as typical piece of male distinctive jewellery.