Jewellery – a connection to Karelianness
Taina Eskola – Kalevala jewellery as a tie to Karelian identity
When Taina Eskola turned ten, her godmother gave her a Hattula bird as a gift—a Kalevala Koru pendant, the model for which was discovered in Luurila, Hattula. The Viking Age silver jewellery is unique in Finland, and its dove-like figure points to Christian symbols. For Eskola, the jewellery was her first, encapsulating her godmother's closeness and her Karelian family roots.
”It symbolises love and family ties.”
There are also other significant Kalevala jewellery items in Eskola's jewellery box. Heart of the House pendants were purchased for the members of the Heinola Patchwork Guild to celebrate birthdays. The jewellery became a symbol of friendship and crafting together – the guild organised bazaars, trips and scholarships for schoolchildren. The Heart of the House earrings given by her sister-in-law are also a sign of closeness.
The Sysmä cross has a double meaning for Eskola: it is connected both to his home parish and to his Karelian heritage. He found the piece of jewellery in a Kalevala Koru 'Pidetyt' shop and wears it at Karelian celebrations. He also intends to give the cross to his grandchildren as a confirmation gift. The won Ilona pendant, on the other hand, acquires personal value, as one of his grandchildren bears the same name.
Eskola bought the Karelian ribbon braid jewellery herself – it reminds her of her mother and her roots. She wears Kalevala jewellery for both everyday wear and special occasions.
”When I go somewhere, I carefully consider which piece of jewellery is suitable for the occasion,” she says.
The Kalevala Women's Association has increased its usage even further. She is fascinated by archaeological finds, textiles, and national costumes. The poetic language of the Kalevala once made a great impression.
”Wearing Kalevala jewellery is a different matter from wearing cheap fashion jewellery. One wears it with poise and pride. It is also important that the company is owned by the Kalevala Women's Association.”
Eeva Naumanen – jewellery as part of her roots and Karelian identity
Eeva Naumanen's first earrings were Kaukola jewellery, which she received from her husband Urho. The design is based on a crusade-period bronze pendant found in Kekomäki, Kaukola. She received the pendant on her silver wedding anniversary – as a surprise gift she could never have dreamed of.
”It's a piece of festival jewellery, very dear,” she says.
The man also donated the Räisälä cross, the prototype of which was found in Karelia. With a workplace gift voucher, Naumanen acquired the Border Karelia cross – a Christian symbol that serves as a reminder of both his home region and his colleagues.
”I also wore it a lot at work, it brought strength and joy to everyday life.”
In Naumanen’s childhood home, jewellery was rare, as the family lived in poverty. At school, she admired other girls' Kalevala jewellery, but did not get her own until she received 20 marks from her grandmother. It was her first piece of her own jewellery. Her mother had a silver brooch received when she got engaged, which was later passed on to the younger generation of the family.
For Naumasen, Kalevala jewellery is strongly linked to Finnish roots and Karelian culture.
”It's about ourselves,” he describes.
In the family, Karelian heritage is visible in the language, food, clothing, and way of life. The children and grandchildren have received Kalevala jewellery as confirmation and graduation presents, and Naumanen has passed the tradition on.
”Kalevala jewellery is simple yet beautiful. It can be worn for both everyday life and special occasions, and it goes with me everywhere.”
Ritva Maijala – jewellery shares love and closeness
Ritva Maijala's jewellery includes the Tampere Bird, which is based on a Viking Age model. Its form combines a peacock and a dove, with Christian symbols in the background. The anniversary jewellery dedicated to Saint Bridget, as well as pendants based on models found in Tuukkala and Uskela, also demonstrate an interest in history and cultural heritage.
Most of Maijala's jewellery was given to her as gifts by her husband Teuvo. The couple travelled a lot on Rotary duties, and Finnish jewellery was needed to go with their outfits for official functions.
”Kalevala jewellery is perfect for international events, they always tell something about Finland, she says.
Arja Maijala did not wear jewellery in her work as a clothing industry teacher – immersion in the work took up all her attention. Instead, she looks at jewellery through the eyes of a professional: she knows which piece of jewellery suits which outfit and what kind of message it conveys about its wearer.
Maija has already given many pieces of jewellery to her daughter Riitta.
”It means love and intimacy,” she describes.
The daughter wears jewellery in everyday life and for celebrations, and so the family story continues. It is a comfort for Ritva to think that, along with the jewellery, memories and tales will also be passed on to future generations.
