Bag c. 20th century

This vibrantly embroidered bag features a geometric pattern, adorned with tassels and cowrie shells. The cowrie shell, prevalent throughout, is an ancient symbol of prosperity and womanhood, tracing back to various cultures across Africa and Asia. Its form, resembling an eye or vulva, has long been associated with fertility, protection, and the divine feminine. We can observe how this potent symbol has traversed continents and epochs, reappearing in diverse forms and contexts. Consider, for instance, its usage in ancient burial rites or as adornments on sacred objects. This cultural continuity underscores our collective memory, a subconscious echo resonating through generations. The repetition of geometric shapes evokes an intense, mesmerizing quality, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. The non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.