Abalone shell

Traditional Meaning of Abalone Shell Jewelry

Abalone shell jewelry has held a deep sense of meaning across many cultures. Typically, it is connected with the sea and holds a special place in the hearts of those who rely on the ocean for their livelihood. Maori culture has a deep and historical connection to the sea and everything within it. Abalone is particularly plentiful in the waters surrounding the Maori homeland, New Zealand. As food, the animal serves as an important part of their diet. This may be why abalone shell has taken such a prominent place in Maori tradition. It is traditionally regarded as a symbol of strength. It is used in traditional artworks depicting warriors and even in some warrior garb. However, it is also a symbol of harmony. The Maori people believe it helps with communication and helps people get together. Many royal collections now contain gifts from Maori people that are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. This shows how valuable this treasured material is considered to be. Some Native American cultures have abalone shells at the centerpieces of their respective mythologies. Both Navajo and Apache cultures have these shells as part of the legend surrounding the White Painted Woman. This woman is a critical figure in these cultures and is responsible for providing the world with life. The White Painted Woman is also an important part of a cultural tradition of these peoples. The Sunrise Ceremony is the most important coming-of-age ceremony for women from these cultures and centers around this figure. The ceremony even uses an abalone shell as a part of the traditional costume or as a vessel for the ceremony. 

Additional Spiritual Meanings

While abalone shell has a lot of meaning in traditional cultures, it also takes on significance outside of these. People who use gemstones for healing or believe in the spiritual nature of all things often hold up the power of abalone shells. Abalone shells are strong and hardy. They are built up over the lifespan of the host and are designed to protect this animal from any harm. Maybe this is why the jewelry made from these shells is considered to be a powerful source of protection. 

However, this source of protection doesn’t just have to include protection against outside forces. It can also include protection through healing. The shell may be viewed as a source of healing that allows the wearer to stand strong. In this way, it is like the abalone’s shell, which heals itself if it is damaged. This often leads to the view that the shell is cleansing and purifying. After all, ancient cultures held this to be true. Many people nowadays use the shell as part of a cleansing ritual, even using it as a cup to hold cleansing water. Water doesn’t just cleanse and purify, though; it also calms. The abalone’s shell is sometimes viewed as a source of calm and relaxation. It brings to mind thousands of waves crashing overhead as the shell sat calmly beneath the water.

Symbol of Fertility and Motherhood

Shells have an ancient connection with fertility and motherhood. The Greek myth surrounding Venus has her arriving in the world on a shell. Meanwhile, abalone has a direct connection to womanhood in Native American cultures. So, many people use abalone shells as a symbol of these ideals. They keep the shells nearby when trying to conceive as a form of good luck jewelry. They also use jewelry made from the shells as gifts celebrating mothers. More broadly, abalone shell sometimes refers to womanhood in general. In this way, it is a powerful symbol of feminine might. 

Finding Meaning With Abalone Shell Jewelry

Abalone shell jewelry is packed with ancient and modern meaning. It is a symbol of water, protection, and womanhood and is an important piece of many cultures’ heritage. Wearing jewelry like this can be an amazing way to connect with any of these ideals.