Treasures and Trinkets

 

A box of treasures, a junk drawer, keepsakes, memorabilia. We call them different things, but most of us have a collection of special trinkets hidden away somewhere. These trinkets might be buttons, pieces of jewelry, an old buckle, a jar lid from those pickles grandpa always loved. They are worthless, yet priceless for the meanings they imply, each piece bringing back memories of loved ones and moments we hold dear. 

According to Appalacian History (appalacianhistory.net), memory jugs’ influence can be traced to the African Bakongo culture. This culture believed that the passageway to eternity was a watery one, so they adorned the graves of their loved ones with water-bearing vessels. They also added personal effects that might be needed in the afterlife and sometimes broke those items to release the spirit of the loved one. 

Over the years, memory jugs have evolved as a popular way to memorialize loved ones and display mementos. Surges of interest and revivals in memory jug making have dotted the last century. Today, antique memory jugs are popular with collectors and range in value from $50 to $3,000 (antiquetrader.com). 

Here at Matilda’s, we are lucky to have our own memory jug expert, PJ Fishstick. PJ is a local folk artist who creates colorful memory jugs packed with personal meaning. Several of her whimsical jugs are available at Galerie Matilda in Roswell and she will be sharing her knowledge with students at Matilda’s Cottage in Alpharetta during a special memory jug making workshop on September 13th and 14th.

Do you have a box of trinkets just collecting dust in a closet? Why not dust them off with PJ and create a family heirloom that will be treasured for generations? Bring your friends and create jugs that honor your friendship. Bring your sister, your mother, and your cousin to document your history. Or just bring yourself and create a jug to celebrate the journey of your life. 

For more information on PJ, 
take a look at this feature article from Sasee Magazine. 

For more information on PJ’s class, 
visit our art class information page.

Or, click here to register!