Riji, Aboriginal Australian necklace in silver

The riji is a ritual and symbolic plaque or pendant made by the Aboriginal peoples of the Kimberley region, in northwestern Australia, notably by the Bardi, Karajarri, Nyangumarta, Jawi, Yolngu and Nyulnyul. It is a traditional object carved from a mother-of-pearl shell, whose surface is engraved with geometric patterns.

What makes the riji particularly fascinating is the way the mother-of-pearl reflects light. In our piece, we translate this natural brilliance through the use of polished silver, recreating this luminous and vibrant effect. The engraved motifs, often composed of dots, lines or abstract shapes, represent lightning, pathways or forms linked to the stories of the Dreamtime (Tjukurpa or Alcheringa), which correspond to origin myths. They tell ancestral stories or songlines, these sacred paths that trace creation and the connections between beings and ancestors.

The riji, worn as a pendant or ornament, had several functions: it was used during important ceremonies, ritual dances and initiation rites. The polished mother-of-pearl reflected the light of the sun or fire, fully contributing to the visual and symbolic effect of these ceremonies. This brilliance is associated with rain, rivers, water, lightning, clouds and natural forces, all essential elements in Aboriginal worldviews.

Wearing a riji also indicated the status of an initiated man, a social position, or that of a person of particular importance. It could symbolize fertility or a connection with ancestors, and sometimes served as a medium for transmitting knowledge, laws and traditions.

Each motif may be linked to a specific clan or territory, and some riji are passed down from generation to generation, preserving a living cultural heritage deeply rooted in Aboriginal spirituality.

The model we have chosen to reinterpret is divided into two parts. The upper section is composed of nested triangles, forming a structured and repetitive geometric pattern. Below, a semicircle decorated with dots serves as a base from which these same triangles radiate outward. Between these pointed shapes, forming a sun-like pattern, series of dots appear, evoking light, stars and the symbolic paths of songlines. This interplay of shapes and repetition creates a motif that is both dynamic, luminous and deeply symbolic.

Metal: 925 sterling silver.

Dimensions: 1.26 × 0.79 in (3.2 x 2 cm).

A 90 cm vegan suede cord is included with the pendant.

Production time: 5 working days.

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, archaeological, archaeology, geometry, geometric, ethnic, tribal, water, rain, mother-of-pearl, ritual, initiatory, history, replica, Oceania, riji, songline, dream, tribe, heritage

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