Cow
Handcrafted original Cow jewelry. Inspired by the Sumerian deity and earth goddess, Ninsun, which means Lady Wild Cow. She had […]
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
Crocodile
Handcrafted original Crocodile jewelry. Inspired by the story of a baby crocodile raised among ducklings, in Gugi Gugi by Chih-Yuan
Crocus Flower
Handcrafted original Crocus Flower jewelry. Crocus species in spring are a symbol of the awakening of nature, of resurrection, even
Dog
Handcrafted original Dog jewelry. Many Celtic myths involve dogs or dog spirits, which belonged to heroic figures or deities. Symbols
Dolphin
Handcrafted original Dolphin jewelry. Inspired by memories of kindergarten, where Mrs. Poor had a Dolphin puppet named Do-So, who always
Crescent
Handcrafted Crescent Symbol earrings. The crescent is one of the oldest symbols known to humanity. Associated with navigational charts and
Cross
Handcrafted Cross Symbol earrings. Although the cross has come to be a symbol of Christianity, it was both a religious
Dove
Handcrafted original Dove jewelry. Inspired by an ancient Greek belief that Doves embody a divinity, a representation of a goddess
Dragonfly
Handcrafted original Dragonfly earrings. Japan’s historical name Akitsushima means “Island of the Dragonfly,” deriving from the legend in which a
Eagle
Handcrafted original Eagle jewelry. The Eagle is the universal emblem of the gods of the sky. Representing freedom, vision and