Vintage Wood Batik Cowrie Earrings

 
A rare, vintage, naturally stained wood bead from the Philippines + a natural cowrie shell.  
 
Each adornment has been smoke cleansed with anglem (burned twined cotton cloth) infused with dragon's blood resin in order to release and drive away malevolent spirits or energies.
 
Cowrie shells have a long history and significance in multiple cultures. Kabibi (or, shell in Tagalog) is used in many Philippine households from jewelry / adornments to functional use. From Africa to Asia and Oceania, cowrie shells were the most commonly used means of payment. Cowrie shells are known to bring good luck and to protect the spirit of the wearer, and many use them in spiritual ceremonies. They also are a sign of femininity and fertility.  I wear them as an amulet and to connect to the Earth and my ancestors.