Shell Necklace

Registration number:
E.80466, E.66281

Object Type:
Neck Ornament (shell necklace)

Provenance:
Weipa, West Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

Description:
White shells strung on fishing line. Alternate groupings of arbus seeds and white sea shells strung on fishing line.

Dimensions:
Length 31.5

Additional information:
Provide by an elder from Napranum, commonly known as Weipa, West Coast Cape York, Queensland. This shell necklace is made from dark shells found in mud and white shells found on the beach. The shells are first washed and then boiled to remove the flesh with ease. After this has been done you then give the shells another wash and place them in the sun. Once the shells are prepared, you drill holes into the shells and start sewing them on to bush twine string. These beads are very sacred for Aboriginal people and are worn for births, marriages and deaths ceremonies and as everyday decorations. The length of time for wearing necklace depends on the ceremony. For new babies, shell necklaces are worn for a short time such as two or three months and for a marriage they are worn for two or so weeks.

Thelma Coconut 2001