Afro-Brazilian Women’s Jewelry in 19th Century Brazil - a Design of Resistance
The exhibition features more than 25 artworks, including photographs and artistic drawings from the 19th century of African women in Brazil. In these images, the women are depicted wearing traditional jewelry made of gold or silver and gemstones. These women were either enslaved or formerly enslaved individuals who had been freed by their masters. Slavery of the black African population existed in Brazil until 1888. The jewelry that black slaves wear was given to them by their masters or lovers. In addition to the photographs, the exhibition presents dozens of original jewelry pieces, including necklaces, chains, earrings and brooches. Identical examples of these original pieces of jewelry can be seen in the photographs presented. The jewelry was made by enslaved artisans. To avoid the jealousy of white women, the jewelry follows a distinctive pattern, which became typical of enslaved women. This pattern constituted a new jewelry design, which is called in the exhibition “Design of Resistance”, considering the slavery situation of the wearers of this jewelry. The photos and jewelry allow the visitor to get a real sense of the era in which these women lived and become familiar with this unique jewelry design.
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