Cowrie Shell Necklace

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. . Lenght 17 inches, a small shell used as the toggle clasp