
NOV 8 | 1:00 PM

All auctions / Ethnographic / Natural Mammal Canine Tooth Pendant Polished Sterling...


This lot features a pendant of remarkable charm, a unique piece that combines traditional jewelry craftsmanship with the primal force of a natural element. The object consists of an authentic mammal tooth, carefully selected and set in a silver mount. Made in Bali, an island famous for its tradition of precious metal working, the jewelry stands out for an aesthetic that is at once tribal and contemporary, transforming a zoological relic into an accessory of great character. Looking at the specimen up close, one can appreciate its curved, robust shape, typical of a canine, which suggests energy and resilience. The surface of the tooth tells a material story: the tip, smoother and with a glossy, almost translucent white, recalls natural enamel, while the upper part, where it meets the setting, takes on a warmer coloration with ivory and beige hues, and a more porous, lived-in texture. These chromatic and surface variations are not imperfections, but the authentic testimony of its biological origin. The silver setting has been hand-shaped to perfectly follow the tooth’s profile. The metallic cap, with a polished finish, wraps around the upper end with a clean and essential design, culminating in a solid suspension loop. The choice of a minimalist style functionally enhances the raw beauty of the tooth, the true protagonist of the jewel, without overpowering it with excessive decorations. The contrast between the cool gleam of silver and the warm, organic tones of the tooth creates a visually striking balance. In countless cultures, animal teeth have long been used as amulets and talismans, symbols of power, courage, and protection. This pendant reinterprets that archetype in a modern key. It is not just an ornament, but an object rich in suggestion, evoking an ancestral bond with the natural world and the survival instinct. Wearing it means carrying with you a fragment of wild nature, a tangible symbol of inner strength. As a collectible piece, this pendant transcends its function as jewelry. It represents a small wonder for a modern Wunderkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities, standing beside minerals, fossils, and other natural history specimens. Its hybrid nature, halfway between artisanal craft and zoological relic, makes it a conversation piece, ideal for those who appreciate nonconventional design and objects with a story to tell. The slight irregularities, growth lines, and color variations are an integral part of its identity and certify its authenticity. Every detail contributes to making this pendant a one-of-a-kind piece, distinct from the cold perfection of industrial products. It is a tribute to the imperfect, powerful beauty of nature.
Estimate:$291.75
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$291.75

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