This necklace is a beautiful and delicate piece of art that's been traditionally handmade in Papua.
The cowrie shells and seeds are braided onto a base made of plant-dyed cotton strings, which is adorned 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. The length of this necklace is 19 inches on the inside, with a small shell used as the toggle clasp.