Seen prominently in Princess Mononoke, Kodama (木霊, 木魂 or 木魅) are spirits that inhabit a forest similar to the dryads of Greek mythology.
Some believe they move freely throughout the trees, taking on the appearance of ghostly apparitions, lights, or beasts. There is even a story of a Kodama who, in order to meet a human it fell in love with, took on a human appearance.
Others believe these forest spirits are rooted to specific trees. The knowledge of which trees have Kodama living in them to be passed down through generations, building shrines and protecting these elder beings from any harm.
These spirits watch over the forest, often curious about those who pass through. I didn't want to simply place these carved Kodamas next to a tree limb, I wanted them to peer out from within the forest. A forest reaching out to pull you further in!
This pendant comes complete with the 18" Sterling Silver chain as shown in the above pictures. The forest scene itself measures approximately 2.5" x 1.5" at longest and widest points including bail.
Crafted out of Fine Silver (.999) and Sterling Silver (.925). It has been given a dark patina and then finished with a brushed finish.