Let your passion off the leash!
If you’re on the prowl for fine handmade crafts inspired by critters with fur, feathers, scales, or tails, hop on […]
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Animal Stories
ANIMAL STORIES, ANIMAL TOTEMS
Ancient animal mythology and beliefs in animal spirits suggest the profound roots of our collective effort to come to terms with the world that surrounds us. Although our bonds with nature are no longer built through daily interaction and the struggle for survival, we still sense the continuum, the magic intuited by our ancestors. They may have been primitive, but it is possible that they had a much deeper understanding of their place on this planet then we in modern society will ever know.
Since earliest human existence, people have identified with animal qualities: the survival of the wolf, the grace of the deer, the power of the eagle, and the intelligence of the fox. Ancient cultures believed that through communication with their “animal allies” they could strengthen and improve themselves, and they built personal identities by emulating positive animal qualities. A totem represents a connection between the person and the spirit or essence of an animal.
In contemporary life, animals have worked their way into our lives through legend, myth and symbol, connecting us to our own primal instincts. Through these stories and persistent cultural beliefs we are reminded of our mutual ties with the earth and our interdependence with other life forms. Even if we never truly experience it, we can still sense and be inspired by the mystery of nature.
The Ark Collection reflects our desire to connect with these animal totems and carry with us the qualities they embody. To learn more about each animal’s story and totemic associations, please click on the animal name below. If you are interested in jewelry incorporating a particular animal, please email me at sales@jennerayburn.com
Animal Attraction CraftBoston Exhibition
Jenne Rayburn is thrilled to be a part of Animal Attraction, a show of fine handmade crafts inspired by critters
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Year of the Tiger ~ Courage, Bravery and Resilience
The Chinese lunar new year, a holiday observed by primarily East Asian countries and Vietnam, begins February 1, 2022 and
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New at Hourglass Gift Gallery in Melrose!
Bug and bird earrings are back by popular demand at Hourglass!
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Year of the Pig
Happy Chinese New Year 2019 ~ The Year of the Pig! Earrings from the Ark Collection… A symbol of wealth,
Year of the Monkey
2016 on the Chinese calendar is a year of the Monkey, starting from February 8 and ending on January 27,
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2014 Year of The Horse
In 2014 it is the Year of the Horse. Power, beauty, and freedom symbolize the horse in the Chinese culture. It is
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Year of Snake: Snake is the symbol of the 2013 Chinese New Year
The snake is the symbol of the 2013 Chinese New Year, which is the 10th of February. The Snake Jewelry
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Anchor
Handcrafted original Anchor jewelry. Anchor tattoo designs are one of the oldest types of tattoos. Christians would often use the
Angel
Handcrafted original Angel jewelry. Neither human nor god, animal nor force of nature, angels are paradoxical, with the power to