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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 portions 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 support 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 workmanship 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 craftsmanship ... 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.
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And there ya have it. That's it for this week folks. Catch you all next week. Benjamin Mark
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