HAMSAS (HAND AMULETS) The hamsa, the hand shaped amulet, has many names, and figures broadly in all of the Mediterranean cultures, as a sign to ward off evil and bring hapiness and prosperity. With the increased unstability of the region, the trends in fashion have emphasised this design more and more---people who claim not to believe in magic wear them anyway---how can it hurt? Nathanael discovered even broader applications, while researching Southwest U.S. desert petroglyphs from pre-Colombian Indian cultures. A set designed from that theme appears below, in brass with silver elements. He also creates hamsot with monograms, names or other designs, including eyes set with semi-presious stones. Hamsa. Hamsa (name derived from Arabic (5). Hamsa. Hamsa.

POMEGRANATE JEWELRY The pomegranate is associated with fruitfulness and plenty, splendor and wealth. The pomegranate design is a major trend in all of the ancient Israel decorative arts: the garments of the High Priest; temple decoration associations, coins, pottery, ceramics. Nathanael uses these design trends frequently is designing monogram, name, and designer evening wear jewelry. They can be purchased as simple necklace pendants for bat mitzvah girls, or in beautifully boxed sets of earings, brooch and chocker pendants for that special gift for the bride or wedding anniversary, or perhaps a special occasion. They are available in various materials and combinations and the price range accomodates any budget. Pomagranates are the traditional symbol of fruitfulness. Pomagranate Rimon. Pomagranate Rimon.

Yitzhak Rabin Memorial. The Rabin assassination period was a turning point in Israeli society, the outcome of which is still not clear. Nathanael was deeply shocked, as were many, and began to design "Shalom, chaver" pieces already during the initial week of mourning, when he and his family sat vigil at the Prime Minister's house in Jerusalem. Later, the design was re-adapted as a dove, and the collection has many variations, including one set in Arabic designed as a presentation to Jordan's King Hussein. The Yitzhak Rabin Center is in negotiation about eventual permanent display of the initial phase of the work, which Nathanael is no longer producing. The calligraphy in each piece matches that of the peace movement, and is done in two different styles of Hebrew typography. The Arabic version matches the Hebrew in that respect as well. In a spin off variant, brooches are available either in a set or as seperates with the double phrase "yes to peace, no to violence," which was the theme of the demonstration of support and gradtitude which ironically terminated abruptely as Yitzhak Rabin was being assassinated. As a set, the two pieces are usually mounted on olive wood, or can be ordered seperately or singally. A Jerusalem councilwoman enjoys a single version "yes to peace" brooch which she usually wears as a scarf closure. The set is usually done is brass and copper, to suggest the colors of the famous placards, but may be ordered also in silver and gold plate combinations, or silver and copper, according to the wearer's needs. They may be specially boxed for that special gift you may need.

POTTERY DESIGN ELEMENTS Nathanael is intrigued by the many pottery design elements used in early Eretz-Yisrael and Mediterrannean cultures, and during a course in early archaeology, he began to adapt his favorite designs into jewelry. The barkan fish, the pelican and stork, and other waterfowl as well as the dolphin are major design themes which he enjoys. The pieces are available in a variety of styles and price ranges, as brooches, bracelets, and earrings, in gold plated brass, silver or titanium. The titanium is colored, each piece taking on a life of its own. Nathanael was also fascinated by the "pectoral" form of jewelery popular centuries ago, and pectorals based on these pottery designs with combinations of wildlife and geometric patterns are also available as illustrated above.

BIBLE BELT BUCKLES

A concept developed particularly during the millenium period, Nathanael decided to offer the Western-style wearer an interesting alternative to the standard Western designs of horses and saddles, riders and cacti. These unique beltbuckles feature designs from Biblical Period archaeology or synagogue design themes from the Mishnaic and Roman Periods. Early synagogue-church designs from our region are also available. What a great style to dress to your house of worship, especially on the holidays! The buckles are usually pierced in brass, but may be ordered in silver. All work, as usual, is hand done, no reproductions or casting, and the pieces may be ordered specifially to the belt width you need.

NAJA JEWELRY The Naja is always familiar to lovers of Southwest U.S.Native American art-------but did you know that it originated in our region here in the Near East? An other amuletic symbol, the design moved across North Africa with the Romans, was adapted by the Muslims as a design trend, and was brought to Spain, where it was often used more as a design element in horse bridles. The Spanish brought it to Mexico, and the Mexican silversmiths taught Navajos and other tribes how to use it in silver in the l870's. In the Native American culture, it has associations with the flower blossom of the squash, a major staple of the Indian diet and agriculture, again, signifying planty and adbundance. Nathanael frequently makes various Naja designs, often set with tourquoise, as he remembers them from his childhood.

Mask Grogger.