Goldsmithing as a Human Practice: Intersections of Technique, Culture, and Art in Historical and Contemporary Contexts

Goldsmithing is one of the oldest and most enduring branches of human craft, situated at the intersection of technique, art, and culture. Adopting a human-centered and non-polarized approach, this article examines goldsmithing not merely as an industrial or economic activity, but as a cultural–artistic practice that carries meaning, identity, and collective memory. Drawing on historical studies, the anthropology of art, and contemporary theories of craft, the study demonstrates that goldsmithing has consistently served as a medium for expressing symbolic, ritual, and aesthetic values throughout history. In the contemporary era, while preserving its traditional foundations, goldsmithing has also moved toward conceptual and technological innovation. The article concludes that understanding goldsmithing as a human practice enables a rethinking of cultural, educational, and preservation policies related to this art and contributes to strengthening its position within interdisciplinary studies of art and material culture.

کلیدواژه ها:

Goldsmithing ، Crafts ، Material Culture ، Jewelry Art ، Humanism ، Cultural Heritage