Wanjibung Edwards, The Pearl Shell Necklace

Wanjibung Edwards, The Pearl Shell NecklaceWanjibung Edwards, (The Pearl Shell Necklace) Pearl Shell, Hand spun string made from the fibres of the cabbage palm 75cm length Ma Wanjibung Pukun is the fifth generation custodian of the sacred tradition of making pearl shell necklaces, a practice steeped in cultural significance and ancestral knowledge. These prestigious adornments are more than decorative they carry stories, status, and spiritual meaning passed down through generations. Wanjibung

my great-grandparents being part of the Stolen Generation

The importance of 'Sai' lies in its role as a vital food source for our community and in the traditional method of catching sardines with a weir

This is the time we catch them and cook them on the hot coals of a fire

There was plenty to take back to town for my family and children

Traditionally

Lastly the whole piece altogether including the colours

a small hole is skilfully drilled into each shell

I feel confident and challenged when collecting and using storm-damaged wood

Song list:

Culturally

Every material used in the necklace—whether from tree

and understand the significance of every motion