Working with Animal Bones: A Practical and Spiritual Guide

Humans have had a long and complex relationship with animal remains since our earliest days. Skulls and bones in particular have served important religious and magical purposes, and have been incorporated into practical tools and transformed into works of art, throughout history and across a multitude of cultures. Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in animal bones both within the many spiritual traditions drawing on animism, polytheism and shamanism, as well as from a purely aesthetic perspective.

Working with Animal Bones introduces the reader to the biological processes which form bone; gives advice on how to find bones in a natural setting, and subsequently identify and thoroughly clean them; discusses the types of crafts that can be made with bones; and explores the history and modern practices involving the sacred use of animal bones, including divination. An annotated bibliography and list of online resources for collectors are also included.