This beautiful necklace comes from Papua New Guinea and is handmade with shells that have been embroidered onto a crochet base made with a natural fiber. The closure consists of multiple strings embellished with cowrie shells which the wearer ties into a knot in the back of the neck.

This type of necklace has since ancient times been worn by the people of Papua to enhance the body as well as showing status and achievements. Natural seashells have always played a crucial role in ceremonial traditions in Papua. With their strong mythological importance they were considered to be the links between the human and the spiritual world, bringing fertility and well-being. In the past, shells traveled on long pathways through the Asian Pacific, used as exchange items or currency and for creating ties and relationships between people.

The necklace comes complete on a black metal stand and its story printed out for you inside a beautiful envelope. Being artisan crafted, every piece is an original, showcasing the natural beauty of the materials with organic imperfections. The handmade metal support carries its own authenticity, with subtle imperfections and the potential for a natural patina to emerge over time.

 Dimensions: ca 42 x 33 x 10cm with the stand.