Value and History of Design Artifact - Perfume - Assignment Example

Perfume Abstract This research assesses value of design artifact (such as a perfume) as a fluid aggregate relation referring to a multidimensional and constant transforming relationship between properties and people. Perfumes are regarded as non-essential artifacts, thus are not required for our daily existence. In abolishing its usage in daily routine, it is possible to survive and live comfortably without it. Origin of perfumes identifies its usage in rituals and religious matters. Its widespread application eventually expanded with the swap of knowledge and technologies among different religions and tribes. Still with its spiritual usage, its aesthetic application soon found favor among the consumers. The relationship between the perfume and a person is not basic and by and large it is not a basic need in hierarchy of humans needs. Introduction People’s needs vary from basic to non-essential. The basic needs are necessary to complete a person’s daily activities. Perfumes are part of daily activity people do to feel comfortable and boost other’s confidence; however, it is not a must. Fragrances have been utilized for over five thousand years ago and all customary scents are found in contemporary perfumes. Although perfumes are perceptibly involved in sexual communication, the importance of great individual variances in preference for fragrances is a development puzzle. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an extremely polymorphic and preserved set of genes that does an essential role in immune operation in vertebrates(Parkin, 2011). Many women and men appear to increase their sexual charisma by using luxurious perfumes, which is evident from the promotions that usually accompany the marketing approaches of the perfume company and which is also acknowledged in the Bible (Song of Songs 1, 3): “fragrant is the smell of your smoothing oils, and your name is similar to those perfumes poured out; that is why ladies love you.” “All societies are known to place enormous importance on false body smell, suggesting a deep-seated emotional awareness that human bodies should scent and perfumes have been applied since the earliest times of documented history. History of perfumes The history of fragrance is a manifestation of humanity: a means of trade, a defense against disease, a concoction with divine virtues, a heroic message, which reflects culture, discernibly communicating its sense of trade and medicine, of the sacred and the bodily. The word “perfume" originates from the Latin fragrance "through smoke" (Aftel, 2001). This regards to the innovative use of fragrances - the burning of herbs and incense as a religious offering. In Cyprus, where the oldest perfumeries were found, priests applied perfume to undertake religious rituals; however, ladies were also permitted to use it as a mode of presenting their beauty. Vanity and adornment has therefore long been a part of fragrance wearing. In realizing the rich history in regards to perfumes, I feel greatly informed about its religious correlations (Sherrow, 2001). The product was regarded as an appropriate enhancement at the time because it was perceived as a means for the community to find favor with their deity, and later to also plea to other individuals. Perfumery is one of the oldest crafts, and the essential techniques of today's perfumers are fundamentally the same as those of their Egyptian ancestors four thousand years ago (Parkin, 2011). Experience in avoiding use of perfume Usage of perfumes is addictive though not mandatory; not applying one will not affect ones daily activities. Since it is addictive, when one fails to apply it you feel as part of your daily routine has not been done. This is the relationship that develops due to habitual activities such as experiences addicts of other substances under go (Strathern, 2000). It is hard to avoid stop the habit; however, it is possible to overcome the temptations. Unlike basic needs avoiding perfume usage will not harm and it is possible; though for some period one feel uneasy since a daily routine is missed. Socio-cultural element of perfumes Culture is one of the most main promoters in consumer behavior. Consumption options cannot be comprehended without taking into deliberation the culture in which they originate. Consumer services and products are a part of the system of connotation. The system is often racially shared and culture. The extension of socio-cultural exchanges through tour eventually led to the widespread application and production of perfumes (Elliott, 2004). The Muslims were frequently engaged in journey and were strong utilizes of this product. Family, social responsibility and statuses as well as diverse reference status are some of the communal factors that, in addition to traditions, affect consumer activities. In terms of choosing the fragrance one’s option can be effortlessly influenced by the fact that somebody in the family has utilized the perfume before or just has recommended it. Social responsibilities and statuses also influence the way people opt to purchase or not to buy a certain service or product (Stamelman, 2006). Therefore the choice of a certain cologne distinguish one from the diverse social classes and provides other a clue on the message the individual is sending to people. Furthermore, personal individuality also influences a customer’s behavior. Specific and it is accepted on from one age group to another (Pointer, S. (2005). One of the globe’s largest cosmetics industries L’Oreal has realized the significance of tailoring products according to customers’ culture (Blackman, 2008). Socio-cultural issues impacting on the expansion of the product mostly comprise the religious elements, particularly as the act of burning and the consequential smoke was supposed as a way of finding good turn with the gods. Role of perfume in religious and aesthetic contexts Perfume has been used for ages for various purposes. The product was considered a suitable development at the time since it was seen as a mode for the people to get favors with their deity, and later to also petition to other people. Currently, I do comprehend now the use of herbs and of burning during a variety of religious rituals. This is a common practice perceived for different religions and it is educational to realize that the recital of such rituals eventually originated perfume use. Beauty soon became a visual goal for perfume application, especially as it was also used in order to mask unlikable odors (Gabriel, 2008). During that era in India, the creative and complex use of aromatics was regarded vitally important in enhancing happiness to achieve an ideal love existence. Both kings and gods were privileged by adornment with expensive and exotic fragrances, pastes and garlands in precise ritual practices supposed to encourage a favorable ambience for the conceding of political and divine errand. McHugh’s highly enjoyable study is the first to provide a comprehensive assessment of the significance of the concepts and practices connected to the material earth of perfumes and aromatic raw resources as well as the theoretical, philosophical notions of smell depicted in literary texts of the period. The aesthetic values of the perfume have made it worldly accepted and applied since the time of ages. Personal reflection summary The perfume research proves that it is non-essential requirement for people; however, usage varies with people class and perspectives. In reflecting on these fundamentals in the development of perfume application, I note that my exploit of the product was not a requirement, which I had to fulfill but a simple fancy. The fact that one is able to carry out the usual activities competently without perfume application, told me that it is an artifact that I would be capable to abandon and eliminate from my every day wear and ritual. The significant attachment to perfumes majorly depends on person’s inner fulfillment. It is true I can do without perfumes and still be productive in my daily activities. Conclusion The history of perfume is as old as man’s existence. It has been applied for many purposes and each culture has their cultural aspect when it comes to perfumes. It was a considerably enlightening experience for one to discontinue wearing perfume for a period of time to engage the effect (Dugan, H. (2011). At times, one feels somewhat uneasy and less confident without it however, it is surprising to note how eventually adjustment to absence. I associated perfume application with vanity and attractiveness and in so many means these were my causes for wearing fragrance. In reassessing its history however, it is surprising to note how perfumes were first created from the recital of religious rituals. In comprehending better the record of perfumes, it is also probable to obtain a deeper and less superficial approval of the product. It is quite evident that after discarding its use for sometime resuming the use is very easy, but I am also certain in the fact that its exploitation would have a deeper and more knowledgeable meaning for me. The study of perfume has been done many a time and the use of perfumes remains the same. References Aftel, M. (2001). Essence and alchemy: A natural history of perfume. Salt Lake City: Gibbs Smith. and grooming. Michigan: Greenwood Publishing Group. Blackman, L. (2008). The body: The key concepts. Berlin: Berg. Books. Dugan, H. (2011). The ephemeral history of perfume: scent and sense in early modern England. Dugan, H. (2011). The ephemeral history of perfume: Scent and sense in early modern England. Baltimore, Md: Johns Hopkins University Press. Maryland: JHU Press. Morris, E. T. (1984). Fragrance: The story of perfume from Cleopatra to Chanel. Greenwich, CT: E.T. Morris. Parkin, D. (2011). Holistic anthropology: Emergence and convergence. New York: Berghahn Books. Pointer, S. (2005). The artifice of beauty: A history and practical guide to perfumes and cosmetics. Stroud: Sutton. Sherrow, V. (2001). For appearance' sake: The historical encyclopaedia of good looks, beauty, Stamelman, R. (2006). Perfume: Joy, scandal, sin - a cultural history of fragrance from 1750 to Strathern, P. (2000). Mendeleyev's Dream - The quest for the elements. New York: Berkley the present. New York: Rizzoli. Read More