Creatures of Night: A Jewelry Bestiary Inspired by Cryptozoology, Mythology and Fantasy
Stacey Bowers
Our newest collection of handmade jewelry is a bestiary of fantastical, sinister and mythological beasts. Inspired by cryptozoology and the cages of Mommy Fortuna’s carnival in The Last Unicorn, this menagerie invites you to steal a glance at some of the most secretive creatures the world has (maybe) never seen. Whether or not you believe in unicorns, kelpies, harpies, ghosts and ghouls, these legends have lived for centuries already and will outlive us for centuries ahead. Join us during Argenta Art Walk from 5-8pm, October 21, for the release of our Creatures of Night Collection at our jewelry store and gift shop, located at 429 Main Street in the historic Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Kelpie
From the lochs of Scotland, this aquatic horse appears friendly at first, luring humans to ride upon its back, then diving with its victims into the lakes and rivers to drown and devour them. Find the Kelpie Necklace here.
The Vampire
Born in Romania, the original vampires were shape-shifting, night-walking, blood-sucking ghouls who could only be killed with a stake through the heart to pin them into their grave, followed by beheading and burning to ensure they’d never rise again to drink from the living. Find the Vampire Fangs Necklace with Faceted Garnet Blood Drop here.
Ammit
Of Egyptian mythology, this creature is said to have the head of a crocodile, the forelegs and mane of a lion and the hind of a hippopotamus. When Osiris, King of the Underworld, judges a soul unworthy, Ammit devours its heart, casting the poor soul into limbo. Find the Ammit Necklace here.
Jorōgumo
This Japanese creature has the upper half of a beautiful woman and the lower body of a spider. She seduces men, luring them into isolated spaces then spinning her victims into bundles in her web and drinking their blood. Find the Jorōgumo spider lady necklace here.
Ghost
There are perhaps no more universal and ancient night creatures than the spirits of the dead. They can mean harm or serve to protect the living, but they’re rarely seen by the human eye either way — even rarer in the daylight. Find the Little Ghost Necklace here
The Wampus Cat
This reeking, fiendish, half-human, half-wildcat creature is also a woman scorned. According to legend, a Cherokee woman hid beneath a mountain lion pelt to spy on her husband and was punished by being made to embody the skin for eternity. This pendant is pressed with an illustration by Arkansas artist Chad Maupin of Big Bot Design. Find the Wampus Cat Necklace here.
The Midgard Serpent
In Norse mythology, when Loki threw Jörmungandr, also known as the Midgard Serpent, into the sea, it grew so large it encircled the world and grasped its own tail. When it releases its tail one day, the great reckoning Ragnarök will begin, bringing devastation and floods, but the world will rise again from the waters, cleansed and reborn. Find the Midgard Serpent Snake Cuff Bracelet here.
The Unicorn
The rare and breathtaking unicorn lives in the wild forests of Europe, keeping out of human sight. According to medieval legend, it can be lured to rest its head peacefully in the lap of a maiden, making it a symbol of purity and grace. Its spiral horn is said to purify poisoned water and heal illness. Find the Unicorn in the Stars Necklace here.
The Harpy
This half-eagle, half-woman beast of Greek and Roman mythology is sometimes depicted with three breasts in popular culture. They abduct, carry away and torture their victims, sometimes doling out punishment from the gods. Find the Harpy Necklace here.
Cerberus
In Greek mythology, this ferocious three-headed hound of Hades guards the entrance to the Underworld, keeping the dead from escaping and the living from entering. Find the Cerberus Necklace here.
“Creatures of night, brought to light!”