Vintage Cowrie Shell necklace from Papua
Originated from Papua.
The cowrie shells are braided onto a base made of plant dyed cotton strings.
The necklace was made with motifs and processes that have been unchanged for a long time in this region.
These handcrafted shells were once used as currency, and sometimes also as part of a bride’s dowry.
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Lenght 17 inches, a small shell used as the toggle clasp