Until the late 20th Century big game hunting was commonly accepted and widely celebrated as “sport”. Dark Africa and Exotic India were magnets for those rich enough and “brave” enough to venture into wilderness to slay a wild beast. In addition to the majestic creatures-turned-trophies brought home to adorn reading & lounge rooms in the most opulent homes of the time, were finely crafted jewellery pieces incorporating teeth and claws. These jewellery items were proudly dangled as fobs from watch chains, or given as luxuriously exotic brooches and pendants to fortunate ladies.

Fortunately times have changed and so have attitudes, the emphasis is now on conservation and regeneration of these fine creatures which were hunted to the brink of extinction and their habitat.

-Ronnie Bauer