This blog aims to be a space for sharing and reflection, where we explore these traditions in our Travel Journals with a curious and respectful eye, seeking to understand and honor the unique place that jewelry occupies in the dynamics of emotions and particularly of memory.
Our first series of articles is dedicated to Brazil and specifically to Candomblé, a tradition rich in symbolism and history, where jewelry plays a fundamental role in ceremonies and funeral rites. Through these explorations, we hope not only to illuminate the profound meaning of these handcrafted creations, but also to highlight the importance of jewelry as a vehicle for transmission, memory, and heritage.
As a House of high-end, emotionally resonant jewelry, we aspire to transcend cultural boundaries to celebrate the universality of jewelry in its role as a guardian and transmitter of memory. We invite you to join us on this quest, to discover these stories which, though rooted in ancient traditions, resonate deeply with our mission: to transform each piece of jewelry into a living repository of memory and emotion.
MVV Travel Diary #1: Brazil and Candomblé
In our quest to understand and respect cultures that place jewelry at the heart of their memorial rites, we had the honor of meeting Babá Cláudio de Oxum, a revered figure in Candomblé. It was a revelation to discover how, in this Brazilian religion of African origin, jewelry plays a crucial role not only as adornment, but also as a bearer of memory and energy.
Babá Cláudio wears jewelry in the colors and with the characteristics of Oxum, the orixá of fresh water and gold, such as pearls and a pendant in the shape of a golden fish. This jewelry is not merely an accessory, but a powerful symbol that evokes nature and divinity. Its meaning is deeply rooted in the Candomblé tradition, where each orixá is associated with specific elements of nature.
We learned that these jewels can be worn even after the death of their owner, because they belong to the orixá, and not to the deceased. This distinction is essential: it underscores that the jewels are not merely objects, but witnesses to the relationship between the human and the divine.
Our house is committed to exploring and sharing these stories, with respect and humility, to highlight the crucial role jewelry plays in the dynamics of memory and transmission. We are honored to observe and learn from these traditions, and to share their richness with our readers. Follow our travel journals.
Vincent Bosson's eye
Trained in education and sociology, Vincent Bosson is a photojournalist based in São Paulo since 2013. To complete this report, several months were needed to establish contact with the individuals featured and gain their acceptance during this extraordinary ceremony. Between offerings, purifying baths, and conversations, trust gradually developed, leading Vincent to meet Babá Cláudio.