Jeanette James Maireener shell necklace. Hand strung using traditional techniques. Necklace against blue background

Palawi Woman, Jeanette James, creates exquisite jewellery using traditional methods handed down to her from her mother, through a line dating back generations.

Known for the delicate and complex interweaving of Maireener shells, this traditional method has been used by Tasmanian aboriginal women for thousands of years, to craft ‘beautiful necklaces to wear on special occasions and to trade with other tribes for items such as ochre and tools.’ *

Jeanette James is also celebrated for her unique jewellery items made from the quills of Tasmania’s short-beaked echidna.

The AM Shop is proud to feature some of these elegant and important hand-crafted pieces for sale. Jeanette James’ work is held in the permanent collections of Tasmania’s Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin; the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, NSW.

*Quote source 

To browse the range of Jeanette James' jewellery pieces available at the Australian Museum Shop click here.