Riji Jakoli Pendant - Kimberley, Western Australia - XIXth Century

Riji jakoli PENDANT
Kimberley, Western Australia
19th century 
Mother-of-pearl, hair and pigments
H. 13.5 ; L 9.5 cm
Length of link: 18 cm approx.

Sometimes called lonka lonka, these pendants are made from the mother-of-pearl of a pearl oyster cut into an oval, then polished and engraved with linear geometric patterns, which are pigmented with red ochre.
A cord of braided hair forms the tie - some examples have a suspension of dogfish hair.
The geometric incisions may refer to water: they would then be the paths of the rivers or the roads of the Wurnam exchange network.
They may also symbolise the figure of renewal and fertility: the Rainbow Serpent.
These ornaments had several functions, such as talisman, to bring rain, currency, magic amulet or ceremonial object.
They could be worn around the neck, on the belt or as a cover-up.
Today they are considered lucky charms and can be given to a loved one. 

"Thus, among the Aruntas, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Gillen have noted the use of lonka-lonka, large shells from the Gulf of Carpentaria, where thunder is supposed to have descended (see among others the formula is badly translated, it surely speaks of thunder in water). The word lonka-lonka is, moreover, a word of European sabir, and means far, far away. 
French Institute of Anthropology, Comptes rendus des séances, tome II, N°1 sessions of 14 January, 11 February, 18 March, 8 April and 20 May 1914, Paris, Masson et Cie Éditeurs, 1909.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON