Bodyguards by Desmond Morris is a fascinating book for any jewelry maker who is interested in the symbolism of amulets and sacred jewelry. The title is a clever way of referring to talismans that people wear upon their bodies to guard themselves from harm. This describes the historical function of many types of jewelry, but also has modern-day relevance. Who among us hasn't grown attached to a pair of earrings or a favorite pendant as our lucky charm? (COPYRIGHT: I'm so sorry to have to put this here, but I've had trouble with online content theft. Readers are welcome to print my articles for their personal use, but I do not allow my text or photos to be copied to anyone's online site. No one may use my content without written permission from me.)
While this book is not a how-to crafts book with step-by-step instructions, it is a large hardback with full-color photographs and extensive accompanying text. Think of it as something between a reference book and a "coffee table" art book. The beginner can use the book to extend his or her knowledge of the meaning that lies behind several of the shapes and materials used in the art of jewelry making. The experienced crafter can get inspiration for a wealth of new ideas, techniques, and patterns.
The author, a world famous ethologist, has a unique background that led to the composition of this unusual book. He mentions in the foreword that in his extensive world travels, studying human and animal behavior, he made an unofficial study over the years of the good luck charms worn within different cultures, as well as compiled an extensive collection of them.
The photographs in the book show off his stunning collection. He's also known for his surrealist paintings, which gives him an appreciation of both the artistic and the mystical, which are the two qualities that unite within the amulets of every world culture. Most of the amulets pictured are jewelry, but several are bigger and have their own unusual and sometimes amusing meanings. For example, he includes a photograph of the Christian fish-symbol commonly seen on cars – but this one has little feet and Darwin's name printed on the inside, which the author explains ironically is an amulet to protect the Darwinists. Fascinating!
Nine chapters in the book focus on specific categories of amulet as follows:
Zoological. Examples include the rabbit's foot charm, scarab jewelry from Egypt, and serpent designs.
Mineral. The history and symbolism behind popular semi-precious gems like opal, pearl, and amethyst.
Botanical. Examples include herbs, chili pepper shaped jewelry, and four-leaf clover luck charms.
Religious. Examples include crosses of all types, ankhs, and the Kara bracelet worn by Sikhs.
Inscribed. Examples include the Tefillin worn by Orthodox Jews when praying.
Anatomical. Examples include heart-shaped jewelry.
Staring. Examples include the Egyptian Eye of Horus and the Turkish Blue Eye.
Gestural. This is probably the funniest chapter, featuring amulets shaped like hands that are doing everything from making obscene gestures to the "hang loose" greeting popularized by Hawaiian surfers.
House Guards. Examples include larger charms like horseshoes, corn dollies, and door knockers.
There is truly something for everyone in this book and at very least it will give the jewelry maker a taste of the rich symbolism associated with the materials and design of different types of jewelry. Highly recommended. You can find a copy at Amazon.com here: Body Guards: Protective Amulets & Charms
