Jewellery Of Tibet And The Himalayas

Presenting the traditional jewellery of the region in all its splendour, this book tells the fascinating stories of trade, conquest, faith and the fortune that lie behind it.

Presenting the traditional jewellery of the region in all its splendour, this book tells the fascinating stories of trade, conquest, faith and the fortune that lie behind it.

In Tibet and Nepal gold jewelry has always been rare, a luxury reserved for the wealthy and powerful. Jewelry reflected not only the owner's personal wealth, but also social and political status - frequently, promotion in rank entailed promotion in jewelry, both for male government officials and their wives. Himalayan jewelry also conveys ancient cultural values and, particularly in its form as an amulet box, it serves a powerful talismanic function. In the great religious traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism, gems and jewels - connoting preciousness, rarity and supreme refinement - often served as metaphors for ideals of the faith, and Himalayan deities were magnificently adorned with crowns and earrings, armlets and anklets, and lavish necklaces. Through a lack of archaeological and literary evidence, as well as recent political upheaval, Himalayan jewelry has never been systematically studied, much of the information on the subject being derived from accounts of Western travellers or Tibetans in exile. Now, Gold Jewelry from Tibet and Nepal offers an overview of the subject, exploring how jewelry was defined and appreciated in the Himalayan region, its materials and manufacture and its social and symbolic functions. Illustrated with some of the finest examples of gold jewelry produced in the region in recent centuries - from elaborately designed turquoise earrings to gem-encrusted amulet boxes - this fascinating book offers a rare insight into ancient traditions. With 110 illustrations, 100 in colour.

Collected over 25 years during his numerous discovery journeys in the different parts of the vast Himalayan territory, the collection illustrates the region's people heritage and culture. It offers the reader a comprehensive view of the jewellery and ornamental traditions from the many tribal groups living in this part of the world. More than 500 pieces of jewellery and adornments are displayed. The amazing varieties of material, from gold, silver, brass, ivory, semi-precious stones, shells, horn, and leather... demonstrates the unlimited skills of the Himalayan jewellery craftsmen. This book has been written in recognition of their talents. In addition, an authoritative introduction by prominent French scholar Françoise Pommaret, gives the reader a glance into the lifestyles and social systems of the indigenous people of the Himalaya.

The first in-depth examination of the fascinating and virtually unknown of armor and weapons from Tibet, dating from the 13th to the 20th century.

The mineral-rich mountains of Tibet so far have been largely untouched by China’s growing economy. Nor has Beijing been able to settle Tibet with politically reliable peasant Chinese. That is all about to change as China’s 12th Five-Year Plan, from 2011 to 2015, calls for massive investment in copper, gold, silver, chromium and lithium mining in the region, with devastating environmental and social outcomes. Despite great interest in Tibet worldwide, Spoiling Tibet is the first book that investigates mining at the roof of the world. A unique, authoritative guide through the torrent of online posts, official propaganda and exile speculation.

A millennium of paintings, textiles, metal sculptures, ritual objects; aesthetic, religious contexts.