The Door Shell Cowrie Tassel - Natural, cowrie shell hanging, 60 cm

The Door Shell Cowrie Tassel is a decorative tassel: a dense ball of cowrie shells set on a loop of braided natural-fibre rope. Just above the shells the rope is tightly wrapped into a distinct collar where the ball begins. The shells carry a natural cream tone with brown markings.

How big it is and where it can hang

The whole piece measures 60 cm, and the shell ball alone takes up about 10 × 10 cm. That is the figure to compare with the clear space below your hanging point: it is how far the tassel reaches down from a door handle, a curtain rail or a hook.

It weighs 0.18 kg, so an ordinary handle, a cabinet pull or a wall hook will carry it with nothing to anchor. The upper part of the rope forms an open loop that goes over a handle, around a gathered curtain or around the neck of a vase.

Cowrie shells and handwork

The cowrie shells are stitched densely side by side, which gives the ball a raised, uneven surface that stands out clearly against the smooth rope. Every piece is made by hand in Indonesia from natural materials, so the shade, size and arrangement of the shells differ from piece to piece — the tassel you receive will not be a copy of the photograph.

Where it may hang and how to care for it

The maker intends this decoration for indoor use only and describes shell as a delicate material. A spot on a terrace, a balcony or inside a shower is therefore out, and when taking it down it is better held by the rope than by the ball.

For cleaning the maker recommends a soft, dry cloth drawn over the shell surface. Water and cleaning agents are not mentioned, so dust from between the shells is removed dry.