00:00Long before Kinga Horani began crafting jewelry from precious metals, the snake motif had a profound and recurring presence in her life.
00:11When I was a child, I always imagined that a huge snake hug me and protect me from the bad dreams.
00:22Horani has been designing jewelry in Budapest for 12 years, drawing inspiration from the snake's shape, mysticism and elegance.
00:31It wasn't accidental either that I used this shape of the snake because it symbolizes energy.
00:41That's why maybe I thought in my childhood that it protects me.
00:46Snake designs in jewelry have existed for thousands of years.
00:50Among the treasures at the Hungarian National Museum, a pair of golden serpents that once adorned a Hungarian noblewoman shine prominently.
00:59According to the curator, the owner buried the pieces near Budapest while fleeing during a time of unrest.
01:07She was a wealthy woman in the 5th century, most likely had ties with the political elite of the Hun Empire.
01:17The story doesn't end there. In 2010, a treasure hunter discovered the snake jewelry set and attempted to sell it on the black market.
01:26This triggered a police chase, adding yet another chapter to the mystical tale of these serpents.
01:33They were trying to apprehend him and he started to run along the Danube River near the Sabacág Bridge and he threw that piece into the Danube.
01:44It took police divers three months to recover the jewels, which are now part of an exhibition exploring the profound role jewelry has played in human history.
01:55According to the curator, jewelry holds more than material value. It conveys spiritual significance and personal meaning.
02:05Snake designs often convey transformation, wisdom and growth.
02:11Horányi plans to expand her collection with more snake-inspired designs drawn to the motif's powerful symbolism.
02:19In the Chinese culture, the snake has very positive qualities. It's a symbol of wisdom or healing or immortality.
02:31Snake motifs are set to make a comeback this year embodying transformation a concept fashion knows well.
02:39Pablo Gutiérrez, CGTN, Budapest.
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