This 1888 Design is a:
One of a Kind
Reimagined Components: These hand-made cow bone earrings were made from the thin section of bone found close to the upper joint on a cow femur. We dug this bone out of the ground ourselves in Bisbee AZ. The bone beads were hand-shaped into these rectangular and triangular beads and strung together to make this one-of-a-kind set. The fishhook-style posts are sterling silver.
Components Found in: Bisbee AZ
~Cow~
Ali and I pay close attention to the animals that find our way to us and the cow has been showing up in our world a lot this first year of Van Life. Just recently we were camping on public lands with cows grazing all around us as we slept. In the morning one fuzzy brown cow gave us the gift of its curiosity and even though all of its cow friends seemed a bit too skittish to get close to us, it slowly and surely inched its way into our camp. Ali stretched her hand out many times asking “Bessy” to join us and for an hour we just existed with this beautiful creature.
On Easter morning this year Ali and I went for a walk around our campsite and came across the entire Skeleton of a cow. We said a few words of respect and gratitude then harvested its skull and a few other bones to work into our jewelry and art.
A few months before that in Bisbee AZ we were camping on private lands and again came across the skeleton of a small cow. After again giving thanks we took just one leg bone that day to use and it is from that bone we made our first bovine bone beads.
Additionally, I remember my first job working on a beef farm…the powerful bulls snorting in the cold morning air…their long horns like great dawn sabers…ready…stoic…solid…yet with the great beating of a warm and kind mammal heart resonating its low rhythms to the pasture below, the sky above and its herd to the sides. Let us never forget the respect that such animals deserve for their gifts and sacrifices to humankind.
In general, it is thought that the cow represents patience, possibility, and calm energy. It is thought to be a symbol of growth and nurturing, and much like the deer, it is a positive symbol for one's life.
~Claws, Teeth, Bones~
The claws, teeth, and bones of wild animals have historically been worn as symbols of prowess & social standing. Deep admiration was given to those who could kill the most fearsome of beasts. It's no longer a necessity for most of us to hunt for our survival, so the wearing of claws, teeth, & bones has become symbolic of overcoming great obstacles despite our fears, and connecting with our inner animal as we charge forth the evolution of the spirit.
~Triangle~
The strongest geometric shape, any weight placed on a triangle is evenly distributed amongst all sides, making it a potent symbol for strength. It has also been said to be a channelling point for energy when in the form of a pyramid.
DISCLAIMER: Any and all animal specimens that we use in our designs are ethically sourced, either found in nature predeceased by natural causes or sourced from an ethical handler. WE NEVER HARM OR KILL ANIMALS FOR THE SAKE OF OUR ART. The purpose of including animal remains in our designs is to honor the animal's being and speak upon the lessons they teach us in life.
After each artifact or specimen has been discovered it is sent through a careful restoration process before being used in a design. If a particularly unique patina is found to add design value to an artifact, it's preserved & sealed to ensure its longevity & protection.
1888 Design
Upcycled Jewelry
Vintage // Antique // Reimagined
-Nathan & Ali
