Necklace - Papua, New Guinea

This beautiful necklace comes from Papua New Guinea and is handmade with embroidered cowrie shells on a natural fiber base. In Papua, this type of necklace is used in ceremonies and is custom made for each person. Its rounded outer shape symbolizes the universe while the circular hole in the center is a symbol of opening to eternal life. It is believed to bring the wearer a happy life and protection. Natural shells have always played a crucial role in ceremonial traditions in Papua. With their strong mythological significance they were considered links between the human and spiritual worlds, bringing fertility and well-being. In the past, shells were transported long distances across the Asia-Pacific, used as objects of exchange or currency and to create bonds and relationships between people. REGION: Papua, New Guinea MATERIAL: Plant fibers, shells PERIOD: 20th century DIMENSIONS: 30 x 32 cm