I made an amulet of two of the most favored of sea creatures, the Dolphin and Manta Ray. While they are not commonly seen together in the wild, the two graceful creatures seem to glide through the water as if they are dancing.

Dolphins are extremely intelligent sea faring mammals: able to communicate with whistles and click, they also have a culture: something long believed to be unique to humans. In May 2005, a discovery in Australia found Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins teaching their young to use tools. They cover their snouts with sponges to protect them while foraging. This knowledge is mostly transferred by mothers to daughters where knowledge is generally passed on to both sexes. Using sponges as mouth protection is a learned behavior.

The graceful Manta Ray is a filter feeder (plankton, fish larvae) with no stinger (like the Sting Ray) and has at times been refereed to as a “devil fish”, however they are considered gentle and often seen in captivity at water parks such as Sea World.

Combining these two sea faring creatures, I have arched the dolphin behind the Manta as if cresting for air, the Manta swims below in a graceful arc. For those who love the sea and wish an amulet to combine the gentle social creatures, this on is for you!