Adornment Narratives
Decoding Symbolism, Exploring Beauty and Expression in Himalayan Jewelry
What traditional jewelry types hold cultural meanings in the Western and Central Himalaya? How did adornment evolve in the Himalaya, and how has it been influenced by various factors? How does sketching jewelry enhance appreciation and understanding of Himalayan adornment?
Duration: 3 Days | Starting Date: September 13, 2024
Cultural understanding and appreciation of adornment in the Western Himalaya
Knowledge of adornment traditions
Documentation and artistic skills
What You Will Learn
Step into the vibrant world of adornment and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan region through the lens of jewelry. This course offers a unique mix of theoretical knowledge, cultural insights, and practical skills to deepen your understanding of adornment practices and their significance in the lives of communities in the Western and Central Himalaya.
Over the course of three days, you will embark on a captivating journey, uncovering the diverse types of jewelry found in the region and delving into the meanings and symbolism behind them. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and visual presentations, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape the adornment traditions of the sacred Himalaya.
In addition to the theoretical aspects, this course offers hands-on sessions on documenting jewelry through quick sketching and art. You will have the opportunity to refine your observation skills and capture the intricate details of jewelry designs, while also exploring the artistic expressions and techniques employed in their creation. By the end of the course, you will not only have a deeper appreciation for the beauty and significance of adornment, but also possess practical skills to document and celebrate these artistic traditions.
Join us on this enriching journey as we unravel the captivating world of adornment. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of the region, unlock the stories behind jewelry, and develop the artistic skills to preserve and celebrate this timeless heritage. Enroll now and embark on a transformative learning experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of adornment in the Himalayan context.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Sonali Gupta
Sonali Gupta, LL.B., Ph.D. (UCLA) specializes in archaeology and has worked for nearly a decade in Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. She is an anthropological archaeologist and has led the first international field school in India under her project “Myth and Reality in the Himalayas.”
Sonali has taught at the University of California, Los Angeles, the National Museum in New Delhi, and her Institute of which she is the Founding Director, The Himalayan Institute of Cultural & Heritage Studies Foundation (HICHS), situated in Dhami in Rural Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Her core area of research is cultural transmission of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. She has various projects in collaboration with Flinders University, Institute of Field Research, University of Delhi, and the Archaeological Survey of India.