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 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 is passed to the next wearer, he or she will benefit the essence coming from the carved bone. Old carvings is often the color of dark honey. A lot of traditional carved bone jewelries also find the origin that continuously evolved into the art pieces carrying spiritual messages. Nowadays. These carvings are known to be the best travel gifts.

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 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 whales, birds, dogs and humans were materials in a traditional carving apart from shells and wood. Most of these materials also served as unique purposes like shape, size and strength. There are also highly treasures like whalebones for the density and size. These days, beef bones are used for most 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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