From where is it… do you think… that gemstones originated. Some
may say the earth… and they would be wrong. For to allow logic to
dictate our lives is simply not logical. Figure that one out if you
will whilst I proceed.
Indian mythology has it that the origin of gems can be attributed to
the slaying of the demon Bala. Gems were subsequently born from
various portions of his dismembered body. From the bones came
diamonds. From the teeth… pearls. Rubies came from its blood.
Emeralds… from its bile. And sapphires… from its eyes.
It is from these gems that bejeweled nose ornaments were created.
They are a sight to behold.
There is the Bulak… a septum nose ring.
There is the Mukkuththi… a nose ornament.
There is the Nath… a simple nose ring.
Today dear souls… I will show you a nose. Yes. That characteristic
protuberance which has enabled all of the animal kingdom to let its
bearer know when dinner is ready … or if somebody in the room has
been extremely rude. It can clearly be both boon and bane.
The nose belongs to a young lady who I am assuming was free from the
annoyances of the flu… as she wears nose jewels… a Mukkuththi in
fact… together with an attachment of diamonds (Besari) and a septum
nose ring (Bulak).
I will also show you a Balu (nose ring) that has a diameter of 10 cm
and is set with white sapphires and other semi-precious stones. This
particular nose ring is so heavy that it is equipped with a chain to
hook into the hair in order to support its weight.
As I look at these ornaments and then see what the youth of today is
wearing… I can only assume we are a nation of young wimps unable or
unwilling to wear the real thing. The workmanship on the above
mentioned nose ring is exquisite to say the least… and is was made
in the early part of the 20th century… not long after the time last
week’s jewelry shop came into existence.
I am amazed when I see this… not only for its craftsmanship… but
also by the image of the rudimentary tools that were used. So there
it is. As always… the nose knows. And I leave you till next week.
For those of you who are new to this thing called Tidbits…may I
direct you to my home page at www.tyler-adam.com where you will
scroll down the left side menu till you get to the area that says
Current Tidbits… and then click on it in order to view a 19th
century jewelry shop.
And there ya have it.
That’s it for this week folks.
Catch you all next week.
Benjamin Mark