5 x 2 x 2 cm
sterling silver, dyed coral beads, casting, hand fabrication, oxidation, casting, hand fabrication, oxidation
Birdhead earrings are inspired by the repetitive patterns found in the borders of Persian tribal carpets. Border patterns in tribal carpets are thought to act as a shield to protect those sitting on the carpet from evil, and the Birdhead motif itself often symbolizes protection. These earrings are Rana's attempt to portray this protective element in a three-dimensional form. The bead suspended inside the earring represents the carpet dweller and is protected by the four-sided pyramids bearing the protective symbols running along the surfaces, and moves freely within the walls on the silver wire.
These earrings are made of sterling silver. The pyramid shapes were 3D modeled and cast. The mechanism holding and suspending the dyed coral beads inside the pyramids and connecting the pieces to the ear wires were hand fabricated using silver wire and tubing. The background of the pyramids as well as the inside are textured and oxidized to bring out the main birdhead border pattern, high polished for maximum effect.