This beautiful necklace comes from Papua New Guinea and is handmade with Cowrie shells that have been embroidered onto a crochet base made out of natural fibre.

In Papua this type of necklace is used during ceremonies and is custom-made for each person, Its round outside shape symbolizes the universe,
while the circular hole in the center is a symbol of the opening to eternal life. It is believed to bring the wearer a happy life and protection.

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.