The importance of adornments in insular traditional costumes: the case of jewellery

Abstract

The paper proposes an analysis of the symbolic importance of adornments in insular traditional costumes. Garments, being contextualised on a specific time and space, constitute a relevant cultural element for the definition of individual and collective identity. Our study draws on this premise for a reflection on the traditional female costumes of the regions of the Azores, Madeira and Corsica. We intend to consider these costumes in relation to the adornments (or the lack of them) and to create new visual objects aligned with the identitarian legacy of these archipelagos, as well as with their environmental and endogenous resources. For this purpose, we start by exploring the nexus between culture, traditional costume, and contemporary jewellery. The jewels were conceived with the aim of revitalising the traditional costumes as well as to disseminate and promote the cultural legacy to which they belong. The adornments will connect the garments, the peoples and the regions here considered, besides expanding the knowledge of their identity abroad, which will increase their reputation and relevance.