Lighting
Handcrafted original Lightning jewelry. Inspired by the divine weapon used amongst the sky gods throughout countless myths. Zeus, the Roman […]
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
Lion
Handcrafted original Lion jewelry. Handcrafted original Lion earrings. Drawn by cave artists in southern France as early as 32,000 years
Lotus Flower
Handcrafted original Lightning jewelry. Standing for purity, because it emerges from the dark water and mud but remains unstained, the
Mermaid
Handcrafted original Mermaid jewelry. Possibly originating in Assyria around 1000 BC from the story of the goddess Atargatis, the mythological
Monkey
Handcrafted original Monkey jewelry. One of the twelve signs in the Chinese Zodiac, the Monkey is curious and clever, and
Moon
Handcrafted original Moon jewelry. Since ancient times the moon has held a place of particular fascination in our earthbound imagination.
Moose
Handcrafted original Moose jewelry. The moose is a symbol of confidence and balance. Shamanic legend names the moose’s antlers the
Mouse
Handcrafted original Mouse jewelry. Small and vulnerable, the mouse represents the condition we often find ourselves in, as we negotiate
Octopus
Handcrafted original Octopus jewelry. Inspired by one of the most intelligent and flexible creatures of the sea. The octopus is
Owl
Handcrafted original Owl jewelry. inspired by the Owl messenger for the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athene. Seen as a symbol