Amulets and Symbols in Jewelry Design

Whether you call them amulets, charms, fetishes, or talismans, virtually every culture had them.  I like to think of them as little works of art, but they are so much more than that.  They were worn on the body to bring luck, heal, enhance fertility, protect against injury (during travel, hunting, or from bites and stings) or ward off evil, depending on the wearers beliefs and intentions.  They came in many forms, made with different materials, and adorned with different symbols. The meaning and significance in the symbolism of a particular image changed from east to west, culture to culture, and even day to day.  Even if you do not believe in their magical powers, it is fun to know the intention of the artists who created them, and the power felt by the person who wore them before you, as many of the pieces are antiques.  Below is a list of amulets and symbols found in many of the pendants and beads in KatieO jewelry.

Claw - Tooth:

The claw and tooth were  symbols of status and prowess, and were worn to symbolize the magical alliances with the animals.  The brutal, primitve power of the animals - usually the bear, lion, and leopard,  were feared and respected, and the obtaining of these claws and teeth showed not only great hunting skills, but the ability to conquer these magnificent beasts. Animals were thought to be more in touch with the cosmos then humans, with their  superior physical and sensory abilities, they were believed to possess magical and spiritual powers.  The claws and teeth were worn to show respect for and to capture the supernatural forces of the animal.

Photos:

Top Left:  Lapis Claw, from the Mens Heritage Necklace Collection

Bottom Right:  Elk River, from the Fringe Collection

                        Lapis Claw, from the Mens Heritage Necklace Collection

                           Pendants from the KatieO Collection