WHISPERS OF THE ISLANDS

This gorgeous suite includes 2 traditional pumpkin water bottles and a cardiidae shell necklace, complete with the blackened metal supports.

The beautiful bottles were carved by hand by local artisans on the island of Sumba in Indonesia, made as per ancient techniques. They are made out of pumpkins with carved wooden taps depicting human faces in honour to the Marapu - the ancestral spirits of Sumba. The human face is an invitation for the Marapu to move inside the bottles and guide and protect their owner through life. Bottles like these were used to store water during long journeys.

Since ancient times Marapu is the major animistic/ancestral religion practiced in Sumba. The Marapu are believed to be the occupants of the eternal heaven, living in couples and leading a similar existence to men.

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 suite comes complete on the blackened metal stands and their stories printed out for you inside a beautiful envelope. Being artisan crafted, every piece is an original and slightly different, showcasing the natural beauty of the materials with organic imperfections. The handmade metal supports carry their own authenticity, with imperfections and the potential for a natural patina to emerge over time. Books not included.

DIMENSIONS INCLUDING THE METAL SUPPORTS:

• The water bottles: heights vary between ca 32 and 36cm. The pumpkin diameters vary between ca 13 - 15cm. The color of the pumpkins vary from caramel tones to darker browns.
• The cardiidae shell necklace: heights vary between ca 44 and 54cm x 40cm width and 10cm depth.