Bloodmilk
The Afterlife Tomb. Hummingbird skulls and Labradorite.
$220.00
Bloodmilk
The Afterlife Tomb. Hummingbird skulls and Labradorite.
$220.00
Inspired by a merging of the Afterlife series with the Crystal Tomb series, this necklace features a 10mm Labradorite pyramid cradled by two sterling silver hummingbird skulls. Both collections are inspired by a deep loss I experienced in 2008 after the sudden passing of my father. As a way to seek comfort from my seemingly bottom-less grief, I became interested in how jewelry can take on the feel of a kind of psychic armor.
Here, the hummingbird sentinels represent the afterlife, cradling the pyramid with a protective stance.The hummingbird is known as the only bird that can fly backwards as well as forwards, suggesting a kind of time traveling or extra sensory ability other birds as symbols lack. Birds in general are often associated with having a place in both the earthly world as well as the spirit world, making them sensitive to death and higher consciousness.
Being relegated to the Western hemisphere only, the hummingbird turns up in native and Aztec lore and myth. The Aztecs wore hummingbird fetishes as emblems of strength, and for the image of their sharp beaks, symbolic of bloodletting and piercing. The image was carved onto the shoulders of priests, and hummingbirds were also considered to be reincarnated warriors. This idea is often found in other cultures and thus the hummingbird is often associated with containing the spirits of those who have crossed over.
The pyramid shape of the stone suggests a tomb, a burial place where the ancient Egyptians laid their Pharaohs to rest. The design was suggestive of the descending rays of the sun and suggested a sort of stairway for the buried dead to ascend into the heavens Pyramids are also symbolically linked with the primordial mound from which the Egyptians believed the earth was created, having arisen from the lifeless waters of Chaos.
Labradorite is known for its healing properties, in particular for its ability to relieve anxiety & melancholy. It is also said to be used to dispel negativity & fear, acting as a kind of psychic armor to protect against more troubling & turbulent emotions. As a 'sister' to moonstone, Labradorite is often associated with the more "darker" aspects of the Goddess, in her Crone form, full of the experience & wisdom of life and death, associated with the darker moon: waning through new moon phases. It is also a stone of transformation, and is said to help those with intuitive gifts to awaken and realize their full potential as well as helping enhance creative talents. It also ranks as one of the most protective stones, shielding its wearer from negativity. Much like its 'sister' moonstone, Labradorite has been used and worn in many cultures and tribes for both its incredible natural beauty, and for its potent magical properties.
****Please note that Labradorite is a natural stone so clarity and color will vary from stone to stone. Labradorite has natural lines and inclusions and varies in shades of green and gold to blue and grey. If you have a preference about your stone please feel free to reach out to us. We will accommodate stone requests as best we can.
This pendant is 36mm wide and stands 26mm tall. The stone it holds is a 10mm square. Paired with our signature sterling silver bar link chain, oxidized to our gloomy grey finish, in the length of your choice 16", 18", 20" { photographed on Melissa and Sophi at 16" }
***IMPORTANT***:
This jewel is handmade to order, just for you, with care and focus. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for creation before shipping.
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If you have further questions, we are always here to serve you in a kind and timely manner: via bloodmilkjewels@gmail.com
