Engraved pearl shell "riji", "jakoli" or "longkalongka"
Australia, Western Kimberley
not available anymore
Provenance
Erwin & Susanne Melchardt, Vienna, AustriaSize
H: 15,4 cm
H: 6.1 inch
Description
red ochre, unadorned back
Pearl shells, known as “riji” or “jakoli” in the Bardi language, are associated with water, spiritual powers and healing due to the luminous shimmering quality of their surfaces.
The Nyikina of the Fitzroy River basin suspend pearl shell by hair belts or cords from a frame. It is believed that the shells, flashing lightning as they rotate in the breeze, attract rain-bearing clouds.
Comparing literature
Akerman, Kim & John Stanton, Riji and Jakuli: Kimberley Pearl Shell in Aboriginal Australia, o.O. 1993, p. 20 ff.Notices
This object is subject to CITES. Please note that it can only be sent within the European Union. At the present time export in third countries is prohibited, respectively, export licenses in third countries for objects containing or made of protected materials are only granted under stringent conditions.