The necklace is made of Gum nuts, Acacia seeds (small brown seeds) and Ininti seeds. The Gum nuts shells have been painted on, creating designs associated with Aboriginal iconography, using acrylic paints.

Necklaces are traditionally worn by both men and women in rituals and ceremonies focusing on sexuality and fecundity. The string or hair that the necklace is made from is of equal importance because it symbolises the relatedness of a people and families in particular. When the necklace is worn it represents part of the land and connects the wearer to the land.

Jewellery making can be a seasonal occupation because the materials required are found in the natural environment and are only available at particular times of the year in certain desert regions. The seeds are collected by Aboriginal women and children traditionally when searching for bush tucker using their knowledge of the land.

If you would like to know more about Aboriginal Beaded Jewellery and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles, or view paintings by Marie Napurrulla: -

• Marie Napurrulla Paintings at Central Art - Aboriginal Art Store
• Art on a String