November is not a month that I really like. It brings with it moody weather, rains, germs and all sorts of illness. News of depression, surgeries and personal tragedies abound. This is also the end of the semester, the time I run around like a headless chicken trying to complete sessions, write briefs, and collect assignments all the while stretching minutes into hours. To say that I am overwhelmed is an understatement. The only respite is the holidays that occur in November. But I have been determined not to give in to the sullen mood by focusing on Riti jewellery. However, many of the necklaces do not have matching earrings. I had planned to be made seed bead tassel earrings for this challenge but I couldn’t make them. Therefore, I am posting these jhumka earrings a few months back. Take a look at these Cornucopia earrings below.
We’re All Ears :: November Inspiration :: Cornucopia
This month’s theme for the reveal is Cornucopia. As the horn of plenty, it is the symbol of prosperity. The Indian equivalent of this Goat’s horn is Akshaya Patra. The Akshaya patra (pronounced Paathra) is a vessel that produces nourishing food on demand to its owner. While Annapoorni ( the Hindu Goddess of food) can be seen holding the Akshaya Patra, the Roman Goddess Abundantia as seen in the image above holds the Cornucopia horn. Isn’t it interesting how there exist similar objects, personas, and beliefs across cultures?
Looking at just the semiotics (the study of signs and symbols) the cornucopia looks like a horn and the Akshaya Patra is a dome-like vessel. Both are filled with bits and blobs of many items – thereby constituting plenty.
Cornucopia earrings
The earrings that I have on display here were made with findings that have seeds beads wrapped around them. I saw these at a craft fair last year and instantly knew that they would make great earrings. My only regret now is that I did not buy more then. In the first pair, I used yellow cone findings with a faceted crystal and leaf studs. The cone represents the cornucopia horn. I read somewhere that curving leaves are a symbol of thanksgiving as well and that they are called Thanksgiving leaves. I am still not sure of this and would like to know the real reason behind using leaves as a part thanksgiving decor. If any of you know why, please do tell me.
The second pair of Cornucopia earrings is a combination of a hoop and jhumka earrings. Both the components are bought and my only interference is the addition of the yellow bead. The dome style jhumka, in my opinion, represents the curved bowl that is the Akshaya Patra. Both the earrings are sold.
I do realise that I took a shortcut this month. So I am trying to make up for it by getting back to jewellery making with has much vigour as possible. Stay tuned for more Riti jewellery coming your way. Until then, do hop around to see what the other participants of this challenge have made.
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