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The Nose Knows.
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 ****tions 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 sup****t 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 workman****p 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 craftsman****p ... 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
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