The Write Stuff

Diversity and differences of culture can create significant changes in the creation and aesthetics of design. Historical events have brought cultures and different methods of craftsmanship together. An artist’s work can be affected by the influences of different countries, eras, methods, teaching styles, equipment, surroundings, and ideals. The question is what combinations are made, and how, to create new forms of craftsmanship and artworks.

Jewellery design has been affected throughout history by major events and social influences. When one culture comes in contact with another, material knowledge and craftsmanship can be shared. In 1769, the English explorer Cook came into contact with the Maori people of New Zealand. This resulted in the migration of English immigrants to settle and interact with the Maori culture. This migration made new materials, resources, and techniques of jewellery-making available to the Maori style of carving. We can see this in the carvings of greenstone from this time. The tools that the English had brought with them made it possible for the Maori craftsmen to carve the stone in the same style as their previous works in wood and bone.