Abstract
Cowrie shell, has been very popular in Indian culture, from the times of the Indus valley civilization to the current fashion trends. In different regions and eras, Indians have used the cowrie shells for various purposes, like- as a currency, as a ritual object, as playing toys, and as an element to ornament the surfaces. This paper primarily deals with the lifestyle products embellished with cowrie shells. This research also covers the varied cultural aspects of the cowrie shell, the metaphors behind the object, and religious practices belonging to this natural element. The paper considers the cultural evolution of cowrie shells in different eras and regions in India. For data collection for this paper, the historical records and sources, research papers, visual references, and genuine accessories from different museums have been collected. There is scope to review the artisans’ practices and application of cowrie in lifestyle products and accessories. After covering the historical perspective and facts, cover how contemporary accessories, brands and designers use this natural object in their LPA designs in different products. This paper also looks at cowrie shell traditional products from design point of view.
Presenters
Nitin HadapHoD, Fashion Design, Fashion Design, Symbiosis Institute of Design,SID, Maharashtra, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
COWRIE ACCESSORY, CRAFT DESIGN TRADITION, INDIAN ACCESSORY DESIGN, CULTURAL PRACTICES
