The Koru
Since I bought it in Portland in 2006, I have received a lot of compliments on the bone jewelry I wear. It is a Koru, a Maori symbol of a fern frond opening to new life. It represents peace, tranquility, and spirituality, as well as new beginnings. The Koru is also used to represent the strength and purity of a loving relationship within a family. I wear it all the time: working, sleeping, swimming. It never leaves me. It is such a part of me at this point I’m not even aware I have it on.
The man who carved it, Jared Richards, left an office job to pursue a calling in bone and ivory carving. He was inspired by Maori symbols from the earth and sea. But every carver also puts something of him or herself into each work, as does the person who wears it.
