Consumerism and Antiques

                                                           

  During the passage of time, from generation to generation, objects get old and mature with historical and cultural significance. If the objects stand the test of time and survive gracefully, get the distinction as antiques. The antiques belonging to a particular time, a genre of art or fashion usually have rare beauty and aesthetic value, and command attention and high price.  These are treasured, valued and passed on from one generation to another. The value of an antique - historically, culturally and economically - increases as it gets older and older, and becomes a rarity. An antique stands as testimony for time, generations, and culture. The antiques are impregnated with narratives that have historical, political, geographical, economical, and cultural aspects. It may be of a family, or a state, or a war, these narratives take us back to the situations and conditions, in which these objects have taken shape and evolved gradually. Absorbing all the significance and values, these become cultural signs over a period of time. For previous generations, the first priority was the durability of an object and its survival, and continuity for the next generations. The people of those generations took pleasure in preserving the objects by polishing, oiling and painting every year, in the manner of a ritual - that is how things were preserved  in good condition and  were handed over proudly from one generation to another generation. Especially, the antique furniture and other objects at home give an account of the memories and stories of grand fathers and mothers, and great grand fathers and mothers, which become a source of inspiration for grand children. These antiques play an important role in constructing family narratives and building family history in a unique way.

    

                                    However, things have changed drastically these days. As consumerism has affected our consciousness deliberately, through incessant advertisements bombarded in TV channels, we have been compelled to buy things whether we need them or not. Identities in societies are formed by the consumption of products. Mass production and mass consumption have altered our life styles and values of life altogether. Thousands and thousands of products from all over the world arrive in market every day. Free trade policy has enabled every state to get its products across the world. Since the start of mass production, we have developed a tendency, that is - use and throw tendency. Between mass production and use and throw tendency, the idea of preservation of things and passing it to the next generation has been erased completely. Products enter into market and whisk away within no time, without making an impact on the consumer – their existence ephemeral. We keep buying nonchalantly another phone, another watch, another car, another set of furniture, discarding the older ones even though they are pretty good in condition. Many outlets provide  scope to market these goods as second hands. Buying- selling- buying- has become a routine affair in the present situation.  In this context, the idea of antiques becomes obsolete. Usually, it is through the objects, we recollect our memories and associate with past events and persons.  If objects keep changing and vanishing at a rapid speed, how are we going to connect ourselves with history and culture seriously? Is it possible to build family history in this situation and connect to next generations?

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