Ant
Handcrafted original Ant jewelry. Strong, courageous and diligent, Ants are exceedingly diverse – predators, farmers, and architects. Ants are also […]
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
Antlers
Handcrafted original Antlers jewelry. Throughout history and across the globe, Antlers have been a symbol of power. Cave paintings often
Arrow
Handcrafted original Arrow jewelry. Associated with subtle and unseen powers that transcend space and time, the ancient arrow could symbolically
Asian Dragon
Handcrafted original Asian Dragon jewelry. Ranked first among mythical animals, dragons have been part of East Asian culture for more
Bat
Handcrafted original Bat jewelry. In China, Bats are symbols of long life, and Bat amulets are worn as lucky charms
Bear
Handcrafted original Bear earrings. The Great Bear, or Ursa Major is one of the most recognizable constellations. It dates back
Beetle
Handcrafted original Beetle earrings inspired by Neith, an ancient Egyptian mother goddess associated with fertility, wisdom and war, and considered
Buffalo
The American buffalo or bison is a powerful symbol and sacred animal for Native Americans. They symbolize abundance, courage, knowledge,
Butterfly
Handcrafted original Butterfly jewelry. Butterflies are ancient creatures, appearing on earth around 48 million years ago. Many ancient civilizations believed
Cat
Handcrafted original Cat earrings. Cats are believed to have a deep understanding of the natural world, and are treasured for