MAN SHELL NECKLACE
HAND-CARVED BY NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS
VIEW THE COMPLETE RANGE OF HAND CRAFTED MAN SHELL NECKLACE
The traditional Man Shell Necklace is made from Paua or Pacific Pearl shell (Mother-of-Pearl) and is a true treasure of the deep, absolutely stunning when polished and carved.
The man shell necklace has special significance to New Zealand as Pre-European Maori had no written language, therefore tribal history and the stories of the gods were kept using fine arts and crafts - ranging from basket and cloth-weaving to complex wood, bone, paua shell and jade carving. Artifacts such as the Man Shell Necklace were then handed down through generations of tribal elders and became sacred objects or treasures, or "Taonga", telling the history of tribes and taking on the spirits of past great leaders and men who had worn such man shell necklaces.
It is believed that a man shell necklace worn with respect or given and received with love, take on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. It becomes a link of spiritual significance between people spanning time & distance. A men's necklace carving that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a powerful and great treasure.
The Man Shell Necklace in Pacific Pearl has layers of gold or black through the silver/white pearl which seem to shift and swirl around as the carvings are turned. Pacific Pearl comes in gold lipped or black lipped varieties which often reach 10 inches or more in diameter and close to an inch thick. Pearl is almost as hard as jade so is a wonderful long lasting material intricate carvings.
Paua is similar to American Abalone but much larger, and the Man Shell Necklace in Paua has a beautiful rainbow coloured shell which, like pearl, changes as the carving is turned. It is spectacular in the vibrancy and richness of its colour. Paua shell is often used as inlays in silver or bone carvings, makes a wonderful personal gift.
Due to the wide range of coloration and layer formation in the paua shell necklace, it is impossible for two pieces to ever be the same. The carvings also often look totally different on each side as in the example Hei-Matau necklace below. Colours are therefore indicative only and may vary considerably between carvings.
All carvings are supplied complete with a traditional style cord & bag.
Most cords are hand made from black waxed braid with a loop and pearl toggle fitted. A woven flax presentation case and information on the meaning of the design is also included. These are truly unique necklaces for men.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Due to an extreme shortage of high quality pearl shell worldwide, many of these designs are now in very limited supply and will be withdrawn from our site when current stock is sold.
