Collections: Kula
Kula is a life sustaining cultural exchange still existing in eastern Papua New Guinea. Shells are symbols of power, connection and wealth and, as such, are highly regarded gifts in the kula exchange. The exchange of gifts clears the way for ongoing favourable relationships between villages.
This collection was made in collaboration with Kari Lyndsay Beale who, having grown up in Papua New Guinea, wanted to play with the traditional designs of kula. Using these for inspiration, she created the "shells" in glass and Deborah wove them into the finished pieces with glass seed beads.
Deborah Smith – Kula