Work: Lunula
Author: Oliwia Malgorzata Janowska
Necklace – nickel silver, steel
In all cultures, in all religions, there was a cult of fertility and consequently
there were symbols or amulets supposed to ensure fertility. One of such
amulets was the lunula, talisman believed to give happiness in marriage
and the ability to bear children.
The deeply rooted image of the woman-mother has an enormous impact on
the lives of billions of women nowadays. In many countries, motherhood
is an obligation and having no offspring leads to exclusion. Authorities,
religions and communities authoritatively try to take over the control over
the female body. Under the pressure exerted by institutions, family and
friends, women often give in and follow the path mapped out for them. In
this way the woman is deprived of her freedom and the right to make her
own choice.
The stigmatisation of childless women is a global phenomenon, but one
that goes unnoticed or ignored.