Buddhist Staff

This staff stands at 55” and was one of a series of smaller projects with a more minimalist aesthetic. There’s only two symbols burned into the top, a tan, raw-hide grip, and two glass fish beads reminiscent of koi fish. The symbols are the Buddhist “Ohm” symbol and the Japanese character for “peace.”

The polyurethane was originally meant to just protect and preserve the wood, but it also really enhanced the colors of the wood creating a marble-like contrast.

Artist: J.R. Goslant

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Ancient Egyptian Scarab Necklace

While looking through an assortment of beads I received as a gift, a number of ancient Egyptian ones caught my eye and coalesced into the necklace you see now. The red pendant came with a paper stating it’s from the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago which had an exhibit for King Tutankhamen. The pendants were rediscovered on the estate of a man who worked there at the time.

The other beads are carved to resemble traditional Egyptian dedications of the scarab beetle which features prominently in some versions of the Egyptian creation myth.

If you’re interested in purchasing this necklace you can contact me, or visit the Astrolabe Arts Etsy shop in the links below.

 

Artist: J.R. Goslant

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Just A Little Somethin’ For My Grandma

Like the title suggests, I made this for my Grandmother. It was her birthday last month and so I decided to make her a necklace featuring her favorite colors and her birthstone, amethyst. She loves her jewelry with big fixtures and bold colors.

GIFT

Artist: J.R. Goslant

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Native American Hiking Stick

 

I’ve always admired Native American culture and aesthetics and thought I could make a great cultural themed hiking stick, so I did.

There are 7 (6 distinct) symbols drawn on with metallic ink; a section wrapped with tan rawhide and bordered with black for grasping; seashells, beads, and feathers hanging from the side; two pieces of turquoise embedded; a purple gemstone on the top and it’s a few inches under 6’6″. It’s also been covered with a few coats of polyurethane, except for under the rawhide since the coatings were an afterthought.

The symbols depicted are 2 eagles, a kokopelli, turtle, bear, medicine wheel, and symbol for the sun. Symbols vary in their depictions and meanings depending on the tribe, but the overall meanings for each symbol used are as follows:

Eagle: Our national bird was deeply revered by Native Americans and represented numerous traits, but chief among them were courage, wisdom, and truth. Variations of those traits are also represented like honor, power, and freedom.

Kokopelli: This is a popular symbol even today and originates in the American Southwest. The mythical figure was believed to be the harbinger of Spring, playing his flute and dancing, the Kokopelli would spread joy and harmony while bringing the warmer months with him from village to village. He is also a potent symbol for agriculture and fertility.

Bear: Most animals symbols represent characteristics the animal itself possesses. The bear is the same way representing both strength and courage as well as motherhood (and other things associated with those like childbirth) because of how fiercely mother bears will protect their young.

Turtle: The slow, but steady turtle represents health and long life since they themselves live a long time, some live longer than humans. It’s also representative of protection and the ability to overcome and preserver as the shell allows the turtle to do.

Medicine Wheel: This is a very important symbol containing lots of information. It shows the cardinal directions and also the earth, sky, and circle of life. Each section is also associated with its own animal and color.

Sun Symbol: It obviously symbolizes the sun and played a large role in all ancient cultures since it is literally what makes life on Earth possible. It can represent powerful deities who were the “givers,” or “bringers” of light.

SOLD

Artist: J.R. Goslant

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AstrolabeArts