What is the image above an example of? What might have been its purpose(s)? How has this type of metalworking changed in both style and meaning, and how does it still serve the same purpose(s)?
answer -
The image above is an example of an ancient piece of jewelry. Jewelry was not only for aesthetic purposes in ancient times, but also for spiritual reasons. In ancient times, many people believed that wearing jewelry allowed a person to be spiritually connected to the gods. Today jewelry can still be a form of spiritual connection (Ex: Christian cross, Star of David, etc.), but most people see them as a reminder rather than a way of connecting or a from of protection. Jewelry for the most part is now ornamental.