Things To Know About 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 common to many tribes including nose rings, necklaces, armlets, earrings and other ornamentation. One carving is as old as the civilization itself. Earliest people carved bone for household implements, adornment and tools. Every culture that carves African bone jewelry, carves icons unique to their surroundings and heritage. The majority of these cultures is believed that the wearer's essence is penetrated to the bone as they wear it.

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.

Carving indicates cultural identities, or a valuable talisman and a family heirloom. Most of the carved jewelries may come in different materials and shapes. There are also mirrors traditional shapes and styles and others have distinct signatures of the carver, while others may venture to contemporary designs. There are also varieties that make the carving valuable gifts for lots of occasions.

When creating jewelries, makers are selecting the best materials based on their spiritual and magical qualities. Shells, animal claws, sticks and crystals and other things were utilized to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other ornaments worn by both men and women. Most hunters and tribes may adorn themselves with animal bones and parts of gaining strength and protection from the spirit of animals.

Although jewelries had also spiritual meaning and indicate social status and worn simply for decorations. Generally, belief is when ornamental carvings chance the owner as family heirloom and the spiritual energy that could strengthen new owners. Important and higher achievements of every owner have been more powerful and valuable that carvings will become.

Bones of birds, whales, humans and dogs were materials used in traditional carvings aside from wood and shells. Each material served a unique purpose like strength, size and shape. Highly treasures were whalebones for their size and density. Whales embody the god of sea. Today, beef bones are widely utilized for 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.

Jewelry pendants and tools made from the most developed craft into a fine art from with great importance being placed on the pieces. Some have inlays of precious stones and colorful shell and all have a story or meaning behind their designs. The meanings of some elements may vary depending on the region but with common roots.




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