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The network has started searching on the internet for references that may lead to new insights into cultural production using Tasmanian shells – and specifically to do with necklace making and 'Tasmaniana'. The necklace above turned up on eBAY and in the UK. There is increasing evidence that a great many necklaces of the kind represented in the image above [bottom] were being produced commercially in Tasmania alongside Tasmanian Aboriginal-[1]-[2]-cultural production.What is of interest here is that the seller in the UK knew enough about the items they were selling to describe them as being; "Aboriginal" – albeit with a question mark & not Tasmanian – "vintage" and as "Mariner" – albeit not spelt 'maireener' as was possibly intended. Interestingly the word 'maireener' has gained considerable currency and arguably due to the internet and the possibility research cultural products more extensively this Tasmanian Aboriginal word used by the women making their necklaces has entered a wider lexicon.
The glass bead and maireener shell necklace is of interest in that it may have resulted from a 'restringing' in the UK or elsewhere. It is not typical of Tasmanian Aboriginal products. Also the maireener shell necklace has a clasp which also is not typical of Tasmanian Aboriginal products.
Watch this space for developments!
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