The Essence Of Wearing Bone Jewelry

By Tammie Caldwell


Documentation of native civilization ornament dates back several thousands of years. Although designs and styles for jewelry differed among different individuals, natives held in common the belief that ornament had spiritual meaning. Historically, jewelry reflects the religious and social customs of every unique group. Traditional styles of tribal jewelry were once considered as a great type of medicine and contact with helpful spirits.

Styles are most common to several tribes including necklaces, nose rings, earrings, armlets and other ornamentation. Earliest men carved bones for adornment, tools, and household implements. Most of the cultures that craves African bone jewelry pieces and icons are different to the heritage and surroundings. The vast majority of the cultures is usually believed the essence of every wearer can be absorbed to the bone.

When the wearer dies, the carving can be passed on the next one and benefits from the essence of the carved bones. An old carving bone is often the color of dark honey. A lot of traditional carved bone pieces find the origins evolving in the pieces of art with a spiritual message. These days, carvings are known as a perfect travel gift.

Bone carvings also indicate a family heirloom, a cultural identity and a valuable talisman. They come n several materials, designs and shapes. Some of them are designed traditionally while some have distinct signature or contemporary designs. There is also a variety of options available when making carvings for several occasions.

When making jewelries, carvers choose materials for their magical or spiritual qualities. Animal claws, shells, crystals, sticks and other things were used to create bracelets, necklaces and earrings as well as other unique adornments worn by both women and men. Most of the hunters and other tribes would adorn themselves with animal parts and bones to gain strength and protection from the animal's spirit.

Although most jewelries had spiritual meaning, some would indicate social status or worn simply for decoration. The general belief is when an ornamental carving changes owner as family heirloom, the spiritual energy may strengthen the new owner. The higher and important achievements of the owner have been the more valuable and powerful that these carvings becomes.

Bones of humans, dogs, whales and birds were mostly the materials in most traditional carvings apart from shells. These materials serve a great purpose like the size, shape and strength. Highly treasures such as whalebones are used for size and density as they represent the God of sea. Today, beef bones are being used for many carved pendants.

Smoking with leaves or honey will result in color variations that could enhance the natural texture in carved jewelries. There are some carvers who reach the color nuances but using different bones. Great sources are pig tusks, horse bones, goat horns and deer antlers.

This carving are combines with elements from different areas of mythology which interact to each other while telling stories. These carvings have their own special characters. These creations have also a great respect for nature and several legends about the history. Today, there are many people who are fond of wearing this jewelry because of its unique designs and styles. Other also consider its for medicines.




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