sneak peak to a Glory Box

Glory Box is the 2012 exhibition from Sydney based contemporary jewellery collective, tenmoregirls and I must say at first moment I wasn’t very excited about the theme as I don’t have real attachment or interest in this custom.  However, after some research I found a few interesting facts.For example, glory box originally served the purpose of security for the bride in case she should leave her husband due to mistreatment or to help her out at the beginning of their marriage. Also, traditionally, content of the box could be only used by the bride or later on by her daughters, however, this regulation was abused later on.

While researching origins of glory box/hope chest I also came across some disturbing articles related to dowry in India. This reading had such an impact on me that I have based my whole work for glory box on concept of fear and protection of young brides.

I have chosen to create an object beautiful and feminine on outside with masculine components on inside to celebrate traditional concept of marriage.  I have carefully selected materials to highlight simplicity, contrasts and purity to create tool for protection – daggers made of an ebony and silver. Each of the daggers when not used appears as a decorative object that only contributes to a home with its beauty. However, when needed this object transforms into dagger that bride could use for her protection.

Few links below are about dowry in India. Check it out and see for yourself. My words cannot describe what I felt.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/50_million_missing/discuss/72157602121871114/

http://subversify.com/2010/01/20/the-acceptable-abuse-women-and-dowries-in-india/

http://freethoughtblogs.com/taslima/2012/06/05/bride-burning/

… and to give you little idea what the daggers will look like, here are some progress images…