12th Century Chukchi Ceremonial Earrings II Garnet and Dark Mammoth Ivory $65.50

“Symbols are the imaginative signposts of life.”

The Chukchi Peoples have lived on the most northern and eastern part of Siberia called the Chukchi Autonomous Territory [bordering the Bering and Chukchi Seas] for at least 5000 years. They have been both a maritime (sea hunting) and reindeer herding people.

From their earliest history, the Chukchi show evidence of travelling far and wide to trade with others. In fact, there is evidence that they travelled as far east as the Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia to trade with the Athapaskan reindeer herders. (Chuckchi reindeer herders probably had more in common with the Athapaskan reindeer herders than they did Chukchi Sea Hunters.)

As a result of their wide trading journeys, to the west as well as the east, there is much Siberian influence in their later ornamentation – especially in the metal accents. They traded for abalone shell from California, freshwater pearls, gemstones, as well as glass trade beads.

Our Chukchi earrings are inspired by an 800-year old design with clear Siberian influence.

Made from Sterling Silver and embellished with graduated dark, 25,000 year old Fossil Mammoth Ivory and garnet seed beads. Our mix of very old design and ancient materials creates a strikingly beautiful set of contemporary earrings.

Available in Sterling Silver French earwires or posts 1 3/4 inch high, 1/2 inch wide.