Some of you may be apprehensive of wearing carved bones, but at one time, it was at the cutting edge of jewelry innovation.
Wood was easy to carve, but without modern day sealants, it broke or would wear away quickly. Stone was very durable, but could take a long time to carve into the desired shape. Bone was easier to carve than stone and would last far longer than wood. Not to mention that most of the jewelry of the time was designed as functional objects and not display pieces.
Utilitarian type objects such as fish hooks, needles, and hair combs were fashioned out of bone due to its strength. Soon pendants and amulets were made as record of tribal histories and passed down the line of progression. Bone carved jewelry is still around today, but not as prominently as what we're used to in our local jewelry stores.
The reason for that is actually quite simple. Most of this kind of carved art and jewelry is made from whale bones. That means there is a select few that can legally obtain the materials required to make it.
The allure, beyond the metaphysical beliefs that some may have, is that bone carved jewelry has a warmth to it that metal doesn't impart. Also, many develop an attachment to their bone jewelry as it absorbs skin oils and slowly changes colors because of it. They feel that it has become a part of them, or them to it.
Wood was easy to carve, but without modern day sealants, it broke or would wear away quickly. Stone was very durable, but could take a long time to carve into the desired shape. Bone was easier to carve than stone and would last far longer than wood. Not to mention that most of the jewelry of the time was designed as functional objects and not display pieces.
Utilitarian type objects such as fish hooks, needles, and hair combs were fashioned out of bone due to its strength. Soon pendants and amulets were made as record of tribal histories and passed down the line of progression. Bone carved jewelry is still around today, but not as prominently as what we're used to in our local jewelry stores.
The reason for that is actually quite simple. Most of this kind of carved art and jewelry is made from whale bones. That means there is a select few that can legally obtain the materials required to make it.
The allure, beyond the metaphysical beliefs that some may have, is that bone carved jewelry has a warmth to it that metal doesn't impart. Also, many develop an attachment to their bone jewelry as it absorbs skin oils and slowly changes colors because of it. They feel that it has become a part of them, or them to it.
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