JADE BEAR COLLECTION

The Significance of Jade

Jade is the Alaskan state gemstone. Green jade is a common “find” in large areas of Alaska. This stone is believed to have mystical and healing powers. Green jade has long been considered one of the most important symbols of purity and serenity. The green color is representative of life and growth. Jade is said to mellow one’s existence and to help rid oneself of negative thoughts and energy. Wearing this stone on one’s person is considered beneficial to kidneys and spleen.

According to one native belief, the bear can change into anything. A legend tells the story of bear changing into the gemstone, jade, so he could hide in the river bottom and wait for the fish to swim by.

The Symbolism of Bear

The bear symbolizes courage, strength, and power. In addition, bears have come to be known as the healers of the animal kingdom, because they eat plants as well as protein. Native people observe and learn from Bear’s knowledge of edible plants.

Many native groups believe that bears and people are related. There are stories of bears turning into humans, humans into bears, and bears into gods. Bear can even turn into stars in the heavens. The constellation that we call the “Big Dipper”, and which is found on the Alaska state flag, is made up of seven of the stars that form the constellation, Ursus Major, the Great Bear. This animal is indeed a powerful Alaskan symbol as well.

BEAR EARRINGS

Here are two mischievous cubs to be your playmates. Imagine their antics as they roll and tumble together in play and let their youthful and exuberant spirit join with yours to bring joyfulness to your day. Jade World of Canada produces this piece and the others in this collection from native Alaskan or Canadian jade for your wearing and collecting pleasure.

Bear Earrings $34.00

BEAR PIN

The bear goes within and draws upon inner resources to survive when it hibernates. We can learn from Bear’s wisdom: At times we must go within ourselves to find the resources necessary for our own survival.

Bear builds up these inner resources through his diet of health-giving foods. Besides his passion for wild salmon and fresh green plants, he has a great fondness for honey, which represents the sweetness of life. With this lesson, the bear teaches us not only to reach within to survive, but also to taste the honey of life on our journey. Here is a friendly bear to be your companion and to be a symbolic reminder of his lessons.

Bear Pin $35.00

CARVING: BEAR CARRYING FISH

Kodiak Island is home to the Kodiak brown bear, largest of all the bear family. This jade carving of the bear with his salmon catch might be a suitable totem for Kodiak Island. The awe-inspiring Kodiak brown bear indeed conveys the majesty and power of our magnificent island home.

1 ½ inch carving $24.00

2 inch carving $35.00

3 inch carving $85.00

CARVING: BEAR CATCHING FISH

A fat bear is a summer bear, feasting on nutritious Alaskan salmon. This bear has just snatched his prize from the swiftly moving water. The bear has been standing by a rock in the middle of the river. It is his traditional fishing spot, won by defending against would-be usurpers. Here he does his subsistence fishing quite successfully. This jade form captures the bear as he snatches the leaping salmon from the liquid, laughing river.

1 ½ inch carving $24.00

2 ¼ inch carving $39.00

2 ¾ inch carving $70.00

3 ¼ inch carving $98.00

An old man goes hunting and gets lost. He grows tired and cold, and crawls into a cave to warm up. He finds that a hibernating bear already occupies the cave. He snuggles up to the bear for warmth and goes to sleep. When he awakens, his clothes are dry, so he leaves the cave and finally finds his way home.

“Where have you been?” asks his wife.

“I was staying with my brother, Bear”, the old man answers.

Wear this bear close to your heart to keep you warm in body and spirit.

Bear Pendant $29.00