A WEALTH OF LOVE

This gorgeous ensemble includes a pink cardiidae shell necklace and a set of 2 shell and resin money rings, complete with the blackened metal supports.

The necklace was made as per ancient techniques with Cardiidae shells, natural fibre and wooden beads by local artisans on the island of Papua. The shells represent prosperity and are often used during wedding ceremonies, believed to bring emotional and financial wealth. Here shell necklaces have been worn by local tribes since ancient times, to enhance the body as well as marking status and achievements. With the shell’s 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 travelled on long pathways through the Asian Pacific, used as exchange items or currency and for creating ties and relationships between people.

The money rings come from Papua New Guinea and are made from clam shell and natural resin. The whole inside the money rings are drilled using a stock of bamboo, and the edges have been smoothened using silica sand as per ancient techniques.
In Papua money rings were created as currency, mainly used for bride price or purchasing expensive items. It was the duty of the man’s family to pay for his bride, as compensation for the time and resources the family put into her before she reached adulthood. During the bride price ceremony a man would throw a feast, offer his future wife’s family pigs, and a bride price piece like a money ring.

The suite comes with the stories of the artefacts printed out for you inside a beautiful envelope. Being artisan crafted with organic materials, each piece is slightly different containing beautiful, natural imperfections. Books not included.

DIMENSIONS INCLUDING THE BLACKENED METAL SUPPORTS:

• The necklace: ca 80cm tall by 40cm wide
• The money rings: ca 24 and 30cm high by 12cm diameter of each money ring