Thesis (MA (VA))--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates the manner in which the function of jewellery (in both the wearing and owning of it) is complementary to the value, meaning and definition of jewellery. The function of jewellery can be regarded as two-fold, consisting of both a physical and social function. The physical function of a jewellery piece entails the way in which it is worn and the manner in which the piece is utilised. The social function of jewellery is not only the status or identity that the jewellery represents, but also how jewellery can symbolise and stimulate relationships. An investigation of the physical function of jewellery is undertaken by deconstructing archetypical jewellery pieces. This illustrates what characteristics define an object as a jewellery piece and show how some archetypical jewellery pieces may appear to be seemingly universal, timeless and natural. The social function of jewellery is investigated by considering the relational aesthetics of jewellery and thus showing how jewellery can testify and give rise to relationships. This study also sheds light on the way in which contemporary jewellery can question value systems. The research includes the designing, making and discussing of contemporary jewellery. The primary research for the thesis is formed by a discussion of my art pieces and is supported by theoretical research. In the conclusion of this study it is clear that jewellery can assume multiple definitions and meanings. These definitions and meanings are not only determined by the designer and maker of the jewellery piece, but also by the wearer/ owner and the viewer as well as the context within which the jewellery piece is worn or displayed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In dié tesis word daar ondersoek ingestel oor hoe die funksie van juweliersware (in beide die dra en besit daarvan) die waarde, betekenis en definisie van juweliersware aanvul. Die funksie van juweliersware kan beskou word as tweevoudig en bestaan uit beide ’n fisiese- en ’n sosiale funksie. Die fisiese funksie van ʼn juweelstuk behels hoe dit gedra word en hoe die juweelstuk funksioneer. Die sosiale funksie van juweliersware word nie net beskou as die status of identiteit wat juweliersware voorstel nie, maar ook hoe juweliersware verhoudings simboliseer en stimuleer. ‘n Ondersoek na die fisiese funksie is uitgevoer deur argetipiese juweliersware te dekonstrueer. Só word daar gewys watter soort eienskappe ʼn voorwerp as ʼn juweelstuk definieer en hoe sekere argetipiese juwele as skynbaar universeel, tydloos en natuurlik voorkom. Die sosiale funksie van juweliersware is ondersoek deur te kyk na die estetiese verwantskappe van juweliersware, en só te wys hoe juweliersware kan getuig en aanleiding gee tot verhoudings. In die studie word daar ook uitgelig op watter wyse kontemporêre juweliersware waardesisteme kan bevraagteken. Die navorsing behels die ontwerp, maak en bespreking van kontemporêre juweliersware. Die bespreking van my kunswerke vorm die primêre navorsing van die tesis en word ondersteun deur teoretiese navorsing. Na afloop van die studie is dit duidelik dat juweliersware veelvoudige definisies en betekenisse kan aanneem. Dié betekenisse en definisies word nie net bepaal deur die ontwerper en maker nie, maar ook deur die draer/ eienaar en toeskouer asook die konteks waarin die juweelstuk gedra of vertoon word.

Afrikaans text / Hierdie studie spreek die beperkte en eensydige beriggewing oor vroue en vroulike skoonheid in die Hebreeuse Bybel en ander antieke geskrifte aan, asook die ondergeskikte posisie wat vroue in die patriargale Ou Testamentiese samelewing beklee het. ‘n Argeologiese benadering word gevolg en beskikbare literêre bronne word gebruik. Daar word gelet op die redes waarom ‘n mooi voorkoms vir vroue so belangrik was. Hul posisie ten opsigte van staatkundige, wetlike, godsdienstige, ekonomiese en huishoudelike aangeleenthede en hul lewensverloop word bespreek. Die studie fokus hoofsaaklik op vroue van ou Israel en Egipte – vir ‘n goeie vergelyking. Inligting oor vroue van die ou Nabye Ooste en Mediterreense wêreld word waar van toepassing ook in aanmerking geneem. Vroue se skoonheidsmiddels, parfuums, juweliersware en kleredrag word bespreek – asook die invloed van vroue se skoonheidspraktyke op die ekonomie en handel van antieke tye. Die slot- hoofstuk maak sekere afleidings en dui enkele onderwerpe vir verdere navorsing aan. / This study addresses the limited and one-sided reporting about women and female beauty in the Hebrew Bible and other ancient literary sources, as well as the subservient position the women experience in the patriarchal Old Testament society. An archaeological approach is followed, although literary sources are also used. Attention is given to women’s position with reference to governmental, legal, religious and domestic issues, their course of life and the reasons why a beautiful and attractive appearance was important. The research focuses mainly on the women of ancient Israel and Egypt – for the purpose of comparison. Information on women of the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world is also taken into account. Women’s cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry and clothing are discussed – as well as the influence of women’s beauty practices on the economy and trade of ancient times. The final chapter makes certain deductions and some aspects are recommended for further study. / Old Testament & Ancient Near Eastern Studies / M. A. (Biblical Archaeology)

Afrikaans text / Hierdie studie spreek die beperkte en eensydige beriggewing oor vroue en vroulike skoonheid in die Hebreeuse Bybel en ander antieke geskrifte aan, asook die ondergeskikte posisie wat vroue in die patriargale Ou Testamentiese samelewing beklee het. ‘n Argeologiese benadering word gevolg en beskikbare literêre bronne word gebruik. Daar word gelet op die redes waarom ‘n mooi voorkoms vir vroue so belangrik was. Hul posisie ten opsigte van staatkundige, wetlike, godsdienstige, ekonomiese en huishoudelike aangeleenthede en hul lewensverloop word bespreek. Die studie fokus hoofsaaklik op vroue van ou Israel en Egipte – vir ‘n goeie vergelyking. Inligting oor vroue van die ou Nabye Ooste en Mediterreense wêreld word waar van toepassing ook in aanmerking geneem. Vroue se skoonheidsmiddels, parfuums, juweliersware en kleredrag word bespreek – asook die invloed van vroue se skoonheidspraktyke op die ekonomie en handel van antieke tye. Die slot- hoofstuk maak sekere afleidings en dui enkele onderwerpe vir verdere navorsing aan. / This study addresses the limited and one-sided reporting about women and female beauty in the Hebrew Bible and other ancient literary sources, as well as the subservient position the women experience in the patriarchal Old Testament society. An archaeological approach is followed, although literary sources are also used. Attention is given to women’s position with reference to governmental, legal, religious and domestic issues, their course of life and the reasons why a beautiful and attractive appearance was important. The research focuses mainly on the women of ancient Israel and Egypt – for the purpose of comparison. Information on women of the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world is also taken into account. Women’s cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry and clothing are discussed – as well as the influence of women’s beauty practices on the economy and trade of ancient times. The final chapter makes certain deductions and some aspects are recommended for further study. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / M. A. (Biblical Archaeology)