Post Colonialism Reflected Through Jewelry Post-Colonialism Reflected Essay

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Post Colonialism Reflected Through Jewelry

Post-Colonialism Reflected through Jewelry and Other Cultural Symbols

Colonialism was horrible stain on international relations, and witnessed the exploitation of entire cultures for foreign goods. The term now refers not only to the actual colonization of regions in Africa and elsewhere, but also the entire system of oppression that still impacts many of these regions even in the modern day. In the post-colonial period, cultural identities still are conflicted with remaining elements of colonial oppression.

Colonial influences can be expressed in the luxury items a culture praises, such as jewelry. In this regard, "these cultural artifacts represent a composite kaleidoscope of unique historical significance that transcends the temporal boundaries of not only the individual race but all of mankind" (Ghoshray, 2007, 742). Cultural images reflect the underlying messages of oppression and colonial domination that still defines the struggle for superiority in former colonial colonies. There is the notable example of the Kohinoor, or the "mountain of light" in Persian (Ghoshray, 2007). It is a massive diamond, weighing 186 cts, that has come to be a major symbol for the oppression experienced by British colonies under the period of colonialism. The diamond had belonged to Duleep Singh, the ten-year-old king who was coerced into giving up his crown, authority, and lands to the British in 1849 (Ghoshray, 2007). He later gave the massive diamond to the Queen of England as part of the requirements of the Treaty of Lahore.

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Here, the research suggests that "history, therefore, leaves no doubt that the Kohinoor was not a generous gift, but rather a spoil of war handed over by a boy king to his conqueror, Queen Elizabeth" (Ghoshray, 2007, 751). The Kohinoor was put into the royal crown of England, where it remains even to this day. The diamond itself is actually quite dull compared to other diamonds, yet it seems to still be a highlight and piece of honor to the English because it is so representative of their majority status in the international community. It is merely a status symbol, illustrating the strength of their conquest over foreign lands.

Unfortunately, the images of colonialism seemed to still be engrained within the global culture, and is thus continuing to negative impact regional identities and thus fueling the conflict that persists within the post-colonial period. The stereotypes and biases are still being expressed today, through underlying messages within popular culture, international business, and politics. Here, the research presents a notable example of the Land Rover ad. This is more specifically the Himba advertisement which ran in late 2000 (Van Eeden, 2006). The ad was a South American advertisement that ran within the continent of Africa itself. It was heavily criticized internationally because of its racist undertones that were continually associated with the continuation of colonial attitudes being played out in a modern….....

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