“The truth is in our bones, for flesh decays and bone endures.” -George R. R. Martin
There is a sacredness to bones. They represent truth, an enduring tale, a life anew after one has ended.
During my time in Bali, when this brand first came to be, I had been meditating on the Japanese aesthetic of beauty–wabi-sabi. This concept, foreign to my Western upbringing, reveres the aged, the weathered, the fragile imperfections, perceives beauty in mortality's embrace. It cherishes life's transient nature. Thus, the bone-carving village of Tampaksiring in Bali, resonated deeply with me.
Bone jewelry is beautiful, it provides us an avenue to appreciate and meditate on our impermanence.
Many indigenous cultures understood this intimately, venerating the earth that births us—a connection estranged in our modern milieu. We forget the land that nourishes us, grants us life and breath.
Bone jewelry's legacy spans humanity's existence, unearthing traces on every continent and within disparate cultures, echoing from time immemorial. Even our Neanderthal predecessors adorned themselves with bone-carved ornaments.
In the Americas, diverse Native American tribes have a deep reverence for the land, extending this veneration to their treatment of animals. Following successful hunts, a profound ethos guides their actions — every facet of the animal is cherished. The flesh provides sustenance, while the leather finds purpose in clothing and bags. And with a masterful touch, bones and horns are transformed into essential tools and exquisite jewelry.
In Tibet, the making of bone jewelry and prayer beads is a sacred practice. Tibetan artisans handcraft these items using yak or even human bones, which are believed to represent the impermanence of life and the transitory nature of existence. The use of bones in jewelry and prayer beads is a symbolic reminder to live in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life.
In South Sulawesi, the Toraja people take death seriously. Renowned for their extravagant 3-5 day funeral ceremonies, costing US$50,000-US$500,000 depending on caste, may encompass over 30 buffalo sacrifices. This practice stems from the belief that more buffalo sacrifices denote greater family wealth and swifter ascension to heaven. For families of humbler means, the aspiration to honor their loved ones can stretch across years (even decades), as they save up to partake in this sacred tradition. And so, as the buffalo fall under the blade, their bones and horns acquire new roles in the intricate choreography of life's cycle. Post-ritual, buffalo bones and horns transmute into ornate adornments. Carved intricately, bones become sculptures, while horns find new life as instruments similar to bamboo flutes.
Borneo's Dayak populace, adept in beadwork and natural materials, crafts jewelry and headdresses from Bornean water buffalo horns. Adorned with meticulous beadwork, these horns exude spiritual potency, shielding wearers from harm.
The Asmat people of Papua intricately carve wood and incorporate bones and horns, weaving elaborate patterns and symbols. These revered materials infuse ceremonial artifacts like shields and drums with spiritual significance.
In Bali, the reverence for bone and horn carving is deeply rooted in their life philosophy, Tri Hita Karana, signifying "three reasons of well-being" or "three reasons for prosperity." These three pillars encompass (1) harmony with God, (2) harmony among people, and (3) harmony with nature or the environment. It is this last aspect that underscores the Balinese veneration of bones and horns. Crafted into deities, creatures, and icons, these materials are sourced from animals that have passed away naturally, forging a spiritual connection with the natural world.
Although mainly thought of as "ethnic jewelry" nowadays, in many respects, bone and horn jewelry is as much a celebration of life, as it is a celebration of our world and our impermanence. Enjoy Sjarif Studios own collection of bone and horn jewelry here.