“Beware prejudices. They are like rats, and men’s minds are like traps; prejudices get in easily, but it is doubtful if they ever get out”. Francis Jeffrey

An ossuary is a container designed to safely store remains.  The ossuary necklace allows the wearer to keep these special elements close for meditation, veneration or devotion.  They combine faith, artistry and spiritual significance while connecting the wearer to the divine energy in all things.

The Rat Jaw Ossuary Necklace

The rat is often misunderstood and unacknowledged.  Many see it as a pest, spreading disease, but the rat is a creature of contradictions.

A resourceful and resilient creature, the rat can teach us so much about our inner strength and our ability to adapt to changes in our lives in ways that lead to prosperity and opportunities beyond our wildest dreams.

Strung with obsidian, dragons blood jasper and Picasso jasper on hand-knotted, rust colored cording, this necklace hangs approximately 18 inches from clasp to the end of the tassel made from recycled sari silk.  Above the ossuary is a large ceramic bead.

I constructed the ossuary using a tiffany soft soldering technique by layering a tin/silver alloy solder over a round base.  I enclosed the ossuary with plexi-glass, making it shatter proof. It is patinaed and has been polished with Renaissance Wax.

Inside you will find the jaw bones of multiple rats, carefully cleaned and preserved.  You may hear their little whispers, if you listen carefully.

Obsidian is a volcanic glass.  It is a stone of protection, grounding and truth.  It opens our eyes to the truth that is hidden beneath the surface, calming the mind and clearing confusion.

Dragons blood jasper allows the wearer to push through self-doubt and persist through hardship.  It resonates with the statement “Be Here Now”, reminding us to be fully present in the moment.

Picasso jasper is a stone for transformations and creativity. It fosters inner strength, healing our karmic wounds while insuring we understand the lessons we needed to learn. 

If you are someone who self-sabotages your success or hesitates to take the next step towards your dreams, this little ossuary can be a wearable shrine to elevate your ability to thrive, and will serve as a reminder to persist through all odds and obstacles life can throw at you.

This is a highly unusual piece.  As with all of my work, it is one of a kind.  Please remove the necklace when bathing or swimming.

This ossuary necklace is available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/jezebelpride