Acknowledgements

Wearable heritage translates in Dutch as ‘Draagbaar Erfgoed’; a term conveniently incorporating elements of ‘portable heritage’ apart from costume and jewelry. Although in English this translates slightly different,  I have still chosen the term ‘wearable’, since the emphasis in these pages is on heritage in the realm of costume and jewelry. Nevertheless I sometimes go slightly beyond this to include elements characterized as portable heritage that show links to costume and jewelry, such as jewelry containers and kohl pots for example. Or the bridal saddle in the picture below.

One of the main reasons for this site is my own fascination with heritage studies. In these pages I have tried to raise awareness on different cultures, show and tell about my own collection and inform you about my research. Most of the objects presented here are between 50 and 200 years old.  I do not strive for a complete documentation of costume jewelry in the region; many excellent books have already been written on the subject. I merely want to add information about my own collection and research. I have also tried to stay away from too many geographical divisions in this website; I would like to emphasize a different, more general view on costume jewelry and where possible emphasize cross-cultural connections.

These pages are largely filled with pictures taken from my own collection of costume jewelry. Objects not in my collection, but only presented here as photographs were taken in Egypt over the past 20 years. The photographs are taken either by me or by Bastiaan Seldenthuis. When pictures of others are used, a reference is given.

Describing the Ababda wearable heritage for the visitor centre of Wadi Gamal

Acacia tree with wearable heritage

Bridal saddle of the Ababda nomads in the Egyptian Eastern desert. The red leather decoration on the camel saddle is adorned with cowries, beadwork and ostrich feathers, and is used to veil the bride on her wedding day