Antique bracelet with Hand of  Fatima, Private Collection

PORTABLE TREASURIES: SILVER JEWELRY FROM THE NADLER COLLECTION, PART II

There is still time to catch this exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, NY, NY, before it's September 26 closing.

At the Portable Treasuries exhibition, I came away impressed by the massive size and weight of many of the pieces. This was also an opportunity for an overview of jewelry from three large geographic areas, and a chance to study tribal iconography and motifs. There is also a talismanic element to this jewelry, which is additionally intriguing.

The best example of weighty jewelry is the described Mien or Yao wedding cape, worn by brides, which can weigh 15 to 20 pounds and cost a year's wages. Among the beautiful motifs, one will see the repetition of fish and butterflies, representing fertility and reincarnation. Bats and dragons are commonly Asian. Arabic tribal jewelry is typically symmetrical and geometric, with repeating patterns. This jewelry might be accented by colored beads or enamels. The Hand of Fatima, employed as a protection from evil, is an example of a talisman commonly seen in North African jewelry. Sometimes there is a mixture in meaning of devices, such as Tuareg crosses, signifying Christianity, but also more ancient beliefs.

Don't miss this rare opportunity! The Museum will also host a gala preview of their contemporary art jewelry selling exhibition, LOOT! 2010, on October 20, 2010. (D.H.)