Mason's brooch

The other day, a curator from Papua New Guinea was telling me about a
particular custom of hospitality she grew up with called 'hamal'. In certain
circumstances, if a visitor expresses a liking for something that you
possess, you are then obliged to give it to them. Clearly, this is a custom
suited more to villages than cities. It's hard to imagine it happening in an
urban context, or is it?
At the end of the Signs of Change exhibition, three lucky winners will have
their names drawn to receive a brooch by Melbourne jeweller Vicki Mason. The
brooches are modelled on the wattle, rose and oregano plants, beautifully
rendered in powder-coated silver and coiled ribbon. These plants are common
features of suburban gardens, but Mason argues that they represent a common
bounty, which she links to the elusive prospect of Australia becoming a
republic.
So if you receive this brooch, you also take on a republican vision. But
there's a catch. If someone praises the brooch while you are wearing it, you
are obliged to give it to them - as long as they will agree to the same
conditions as you. Easy come, easy go. Members of this chain are encouraged
to leave comments on a website to record the transaction and reflect on its
meaning.
The exhibition still has a couple of weeks to run. Tune in to her website at
http://broachingchangeproject.wordpress.com/ to monitor progress.
Mason's brooch is an interesting contemporary example of power jewellery.
Like the traditional charm, her brooches carry a special meaning, but you
are also obliged to respect their mission.

KEVIN MURRAY