Wanjibung Edwards, Bailor Shell Pendant II

Wanjibung Edwards, Bailor Shell Pendant

• Bailer shell, raffia, from cabbage palm frond, thalt / 45cm length

The Bailor shell pendant is a deeply significant cultural object that is rooted in the ancestral stories of the Kokoberrin people, who hold custodianship over this sacred historical account. This pendant is more than a decorative piece it represents a legacy of spiritual beings, cross-country trade, and the interconnected relationships between land, sea, and Koko people.
The Kokoberrin people, Traditional Owners of lands stretching to the central western region of Cape York, have maintained and celebrated the significance of the Red Leg Devil from early days, Nur Wur Kung and the Forest Devil, whose ancient exchange of Bailor shells forms the foundation of this enduring tradition. This story is not just mythology but a living history, passed down through generations via oral storytelling and ceremonial practices.
The Red Leg Devil, a powerful spiritual being, dwelled along the western coastline of Cape York, where he roamed the beaches, collecting Bailor shells that had washed ashore from the Gulf of Carpentaria. These shells, discarded by the Bailor snail, arrived in different sizes and were valued for their durability and natural beauty.
Recognizing their importance, the Red Leg Devil gathered the shells in a cabbage palm string bag and embarked on a journey toward the eastern Forest lands, venturing deep into the country of the Forest Devil, another ancient and powerful being. This journey was more than just a physical crossing—it symbolized interconnection between different cultural groups, trade routes, and the sharing of knowledge.
Upon reaching the Forest Devil’s territory, the exchange of Bailor shells took place, signifying an agreement and relationship between different spirit beings and their respective lands. The Forest Devil, in turn, crafted the shells into pendants, stringing them together into what is now known as the Bailor shell pendant. This sacred act signified the first documented exchange of shells and reinforced a tradition of cross-regional trade, alliances, and spiritual acknowledgment between coastal and inland peoples.
For the Kokoberrin people, the Bailor shell pendant continues to be a sacred object, holding profound cultural significance: The Bailor shell necklace is not just an artifact of the past—it remains an active and celebrated part of Kokoberrin identity. Whether worn in ceremonial gatherings, passed down through generations, or displayed as a sign of heritage, the necklace stands as a symbol of resilience, cultural continuity, and the deep wisdom of the Ancestors.
As custodians of this sacred knowledge, the Kokoberrin people honour their Ancestors and the spiritual beings that shaped their world, ensuring that the story of the Bailor shell pendant continues to be shared, respected, and preserved for future generations. In recognition of this first trade exchange the Bailor Shell Pendant can be seen on the rock art caves walls throughout the central homelands of the Kuku Taipan and Yalandji peoples.