Bone carving is a traditional and often sacred craft practiced by some of the more warlike native tribes around the world.
Bone carvings by the New Zealand Maori are some of the most beautiful wearable art works available today and come in a wide variety of styles from very traditional pieces to the more contemporary or modern styles.
Bone carvings, jewelry and artwork have a very special feel about them, unlike anything else you will ever experience. Their milky white appearance and soft flowing lines are just the start. They are soft and warm to the touch yet the finish is like polished glass, they seem to blend with your body and become a part of you, especially when worn as a pendent against your skin.
Over a period of time bone carvings absorb oils from your skin and change colour to a very light honey gold. The Maori believe this to be the bone carving taking on some of your spirituality or essence and thus truly becoming a part of the wearer. Animals bone is very light and soft and easy to hand carve. The bone is usually carved into a pendant or beads and made into necklaces. Another popular way to showcase a unique bone carving is constructing into a broach. These were very popular in the 30's and 40's.
Though growing more popular today, Bone Jewelry is considered not only beautiful, but very eco-friendly. It's a great way for countries with poverty to recycle and create a means for income. Please don't mistake this bone jewelry with Ivory, these are in fact true carved bone transformed into beautiful works of art.
