The abalone shell is also commonly used as a smudge container for the burning of sacred herbs. Some traditional Northwest American ceremonial leaders revere the abalone shell as a representation of Grandmother Ocean; they believe it should never be used for burning. We agree! We love to keep a little water in ours, on our altar.
The Maori use pieces of the paua shell (their abalone) for the eyes of ceremonial carvings, to serve as connections to the stars and as a powerful protector to ward off evil.
Prized for its mana (spiritual power), smaller and more vibrantly colorful than its North American abalone cousin, this paua (left) was found in a cove in Banks Peninsula on the South Island of New Zealand.
Our Mission is to produce memorable, inspiring feature documentary films, educational mini-documentaries and DVDs, and broadcast-quality promotional media for the internet and websites.
Our Mission is also to record sensitive, in-depth interviews, cultural teachings, traditional songs, stories, dances, languages and artistic expressions of indigenous cultural representatives who reach out to share their valuable messages and wisdom with the world.
ITS AN ABALONE EARTH
If you walk the beaches and explore the shores you’ll find treasures in the sand. One of the most exciting beach finds in California is an abalone shell. If you are lucky enough to find one, study its exquisite, iridescent beauty. Each one contains its own unique color pattern, energy, and images that symbolize the ever-changing beauty and diversity of life on our planet.
We’ve discovered that many indigenous coastal peoples, especially here in California, but also in Indonesia, Japan, Hawaii, New Zealand, Mexico, Australia, South America, Africa and other places throughout the world, treasure the abalone - or a cousin of the abalone - and incorporate their shells in sacred regalia, altars, jewelry, statues and ceremonies. Its an Abalone Earth!
MISSION AND VISION
Click on the stars on the Abalone Map to visit some of the people and places we have filmed and photographed
Some of the shells contain the greens and light yellows of the grasses, forests and wetlands. Others have more blue, like of the waters and sky. Occasionally a shell is multi-colored, like the rocks, prairies, mountains, canyons, deserts and deep ravines. Each one represents the different interconnected and interdependent life forms that inhabit the Earth.
When we formed our company, we decided that the abalone shell would be a perfect symbol to represent it. The colors and shapes within each shell evoke feelings and associations with the natural world that inspire us to open wide our eyes and hearts to remember... the earth is alive!
Our Vision is to produce insightful media that amplifies the voice of individuals and organizations that offer ideas and solutions in the creation of a more peaceful, healthy world.
Our Vision is also that our films and photography of indigenous cultural representatives will be valued by all who seek truth and an integral relationship with the natural world, and that our recordings will help to preserve traditional cultural knowledge for future generations.
Small, smooth pieces of abalone are used to make beautiful ceremonial necklaces and earrings. Tiny pieces are used on medicine bundles and made into buttons that are sewn onto shirts and dresses. Abalone is also used as hanging, jingle-shell decorations on the skirts and aprons of special rights-of-passage dresses for girls, and attached to treasured, hand woven baby baskets.
Some say that by wearing the abalone shell it reflects who we are, reminding us that how we see the world is how others see us. Others believe that if you meditate on the symbolic pictures contained within the shell you will be able to receive symbolic messages.
