Still Can’t Be… Devalued
And just like that, this mini-series has come to an end. Today, I am showcasing the last two products: The ''Mattenklopper'' ring and the ''Ogri Ai'' bead. Both products are jewelry worn by many Surinamese people and carry the meaning of warding off the evil eye. They are also worn in silver, but I am highlighting the Gold version today as the Gold I am capturing is sourced from Suriname.
After the abolition of slavery in Suriname in 1868 (although it technically lasted until 1878), the Creole Surinamese community began to buy high-karat Gold jewelry as a form of investment, representing success and prestige. This tradition continues till this day. The Mattenklopper and the Ogri Ai became popular cultural symbols used in the creation of jewelry and remain important parts of Surinamese jewelry-making.
The Mattenklopper (literal translation being Carpet Beater) is mainly worn as a ring but can also be found in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. Surinamese people believe that by wearing the Mattenklopper, they kept the suffering, the filth, and the misery outside the door, leaving the way open for the good. Although the meaning behind this belief of warding off the evil eye is best known in Surinamese culture, the symbol’s origin can be traced back to West Africa. The traditional name for the Mattenklopper is the “Dagi Knot,” also referred to as “Nyansapo” or “Wisdom Knot.” This symbol is one of the adinkra symbols that originated in Ghana. Wearing the Mattenklopper is believed to symbolize a connection to one's ancestors and is considered a sign of solidarity.
The Ogri Ai (literal translation being Evil Eye) bead is a popular piece of jewelry in Surinamese culture. Like other products that ward off the evil eye, this product is often worn by babies but just as much by adults. The beads are incorporated in necklaces, bracelets, or pendants with a gold ring to attach to the necklace. Unfortunately, I can't find any information on the origin of the black gem; if you have some information on this, please share it in the comment section.
I personally only wear a few pieces of jewelry, but always had a box full given to me by my family. My parents gifted me a Mattenklopper ring as a teenager, I didn't know its meaning back then, but I saw many other Surinamese people also wore it and loved it very much. When buying jewelry for myself, I can't bypass the habit of blessing the items by washing them in a bowl or Kalebas with a mixture of Blauwsel and Florida Water.
As a teen, I remember buying an Ogri Ai pendant for my necklace, landing on a clear one in the same shape. I wore that pendant for years only to discover that even though many different colored beads resemble the Ogri Ai, the black gem is the only true one.
Buying Gold has always been a special moment for me. I often visit the same jeweler and have pleasant conversations with the lady in the store. Whenever I buy something for someone else, she encourages me to come back next time for myself. The whole encounter makes the purchase more meaningful and gives me a sense of community.
After everything Surinamese people have been through, I love the pride we take in our heritage and how we big up ourselves. Our culture is so rich, and we are walking pieces of art! Damn, I really love us, thank you for being unapologetically Black.
As a photographer, I value sharing my creativity and Surinamese culture with all of you. Going into the new year, I hope all the knowledge and product photography in this mini-series has sparked you to look deeper into your culture's background, create and express yourself in your own way, and be thankful to the ones who came before you and continue to remind you of your heritage.
"May you feel protected and blessed and have good fortune and health follow you into the new year!"- Winny
Text by Winny Sandvliet & Norma Diana Stanton
Photos by Frame It Right Studio
