Bruce Wiggan Riji Pearl Shell Art

The art of carving riji (pearl shell) is an age-old tradition sacred to the Bardi-Jawi people of the Dampier Peninsula. A Bardi man and artist in residence at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Bruce Wiggan will show you how the shells are carved and share the stories that relate to the artwork. Since ancient times, riji were highly prized in the region and associated with water, spiritual powers and healing due to the luminous shimmering quality of their surfaces.