Ritual Effect

Description

A dramatic, ceremonial feel emanates from this bold neckpiece of bronze and unique beads.

I began with a bronze ring, fabricated from bronze clay and hand-finished, with an ancient look and a satiny feel. I've been fascinated by rings lately--they represent portals into other dimensions, other times, other possibilities. They are where the worlds touch.

As the strand of beads grew upward from this, what was to be a simple piece evolved into something much more opulent and elaborate. With these larger pieces I have to proceed very slowly, often removing and redoing sections over in order to preserve the subtle balance of components. Each bead is carefully selected to work in harmony with the others. The elements include old and ancient quartzite beads from the Sahara, buried in the sand for many years and excavated; fossil walrus ivory and bone, naturally-shed elk antler, snake vertebrae, an antique Idar-Oberstein faceted quartz trade bead, my own polymer mixed with Sonoran Desert sand, a fossil crinoid, camel bone, and much more.

The strand is a continuous length of handwoven nylon with each bead seated in individually, and it is very strong and durable.

Size: 19" from top to bottom when fastened; the bronze ring amulet hangs around the solar plexus. The bronze ring is 2" by 2 1/2".

Care: It is sturdy, especially the bronze, but should be handled carefully. Wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately to clean. Immersion in water should be avoided as this will damage the elk antler and clay beads.

Ritual Effect will arrive in its own presentation basket, a lidded, double-weave pine needle basket from the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, along with a handwritten descriptive label listing all of the components.

Added on Sep 20, 2009