Is Body Adornment Simply an Aid for Beautification?

Do we see our jewels today as simply aesthetic decorative pieces, or for some, are our adornments an indication of sentimentalities, spiritual, religious or political standings? Alternatively, do some of us engage further with both the piece and the maker at a more personal level, identifying with its inherent meanings, and in so doing, becoming a part of its narration? From the earliest acquired pieces of evidence, humans have decorated their bodies with hand - fashioned or naturally occurring objects, as well as directly using the body as a canvas, with the application of body paint, tattoos, scarification and piercing. The examples presented in this book will seek to provide evidence that where man has created adorning objects, often there have been inherent meanings attached. By investigating and applying the theories of Semioticians, this book will further seek to explore how the specific visual presentation of body adornments have served outwardly as an indication of the wearers position within their society.