"PROTECTIVE HAIR CHARMS" & THE MAANG TIKKA: Inspiration from South Asian Spiritual Jewelry & Meso-American Artisans
2 Styles:
- "PROTECTIVE HAIR CHARM" | 2-IN-1
- "MESO-AMERICA" HAIR CHARM | HEADBAND CHAIN
The creation of these "Protective Hair Charms" was inspired by the beautiful piece of spiritual jewelry called, "Maang Tikka". If you have ever been to an Indian wedding, watched a Bollywood movie or even seen a piece of religious South Asian art, then you have most likely seen a MAANG TIKKA. Maang means "middle parting" + Tikka means "Ornament". It is a beautiful piece of jewelry that traditionally, is worn by a bride along her center parting with a pendant resting at her Ajna (third eye chakra). Now a days women wear it for special occasions too or if you're royalty, wear it daily. They're more than just a fashion statement, and their cultural signficance and spritual meaning should be recognized and shared, especially if the wearer isn't of South Asian descent.
South Asian jewlery isn't just beautiful, but each item has a spiritual meaning. This is why we see Gods/Goddess' depicted in ancient art wearing bracelets, necklaces, and Maang Tikkas. Specifically, the MAANG TIKKA is believed to bestow it's wearer with inner will-power and wisdom to embrace the journey ahead. The Vedas believed the Ajna (Third Eye Chakra) to be the seat of our hidden wisdom. Therefore laying this pendant, usually made from gold (which is a protective metal) on the Ajna offers protection from the "evil eye" and negative energy. It represents the divine feminine power that can harness nature, feelings, ideas, perceptions, thoughts and the essence of humanity. So much more can be said, but I suggest you do more research on your own to get to know the full richness of the Maang Tikka & South Asian jewelry.
Luna's intention for designing this piece of hair jewelry was to help protect the energy fields of her supporters, who many identify as: empaths, light workers, healers, etc. The idea was to have something that could be worn daily, and cold be as "extra" or as discreet as desired. So, purprosefully we chose metals and semi-precious gemstones that aid in energetic protection. The "charms" are attached to a hair pin, to be worn on the side of the head. Or the "charm" can be removed to enable wear in the center parting if desired, like a Maang Tikka.
"MESO-AMERICA" HAIR CHARMS
The "Meso-America" version was inspired by Luna's ancestors of Mexican Indigenous descent. Luna researched the history of jewelry artisans in ancient civilizations such as; Maya, Aztec, Toltec, and Chichimeca. Pre-Colombian jewelry in Mexico was typically made of gemstones such as Turquoise, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Red Jasper, Obsidian (volcanic glass), Jade, Abalone Shell Mosaics and Silver. Jewelry in Meso-American times had their own spiritual meanings as well. The Mayans for example, used jewelry to honor their religious beliefs. The Toltec and Chichimec used jewelry as a symbol for the elite and as offerings to the Gods. Jade was believed to be a "calming force" and jaguar head carvings were used to aid with protection, strength, agility and power. These civilizations thrived for more than 3,000 years before Spanish colonization. After this, new ways of making jewelry and materials were adopted and enmeshed. Mexican artisans also create jewelry in honor of nature, including natural scenery, bright beaded (Huichol) floral and animal pendants.
SUPPORTING THE CULTURE & SMALL BUSINESS
At LAS we believe in giving back to those who inspire us, so in the creation of this project we decided to work with small businesses and artisans in India and Mexico for all of our raw materials.
In addition, Luna Ase Shop makes donations every 6 months to charity because we believe that together we can make a larger impact. LAS Thanks YOU!