IVIE: Sustainable Nigerian Coral Bead Jewellery

Category: Accessories

IVIE is Nigerian coral bead jewellery made out of eggshells to explore the balance between culture and sustainability. Coral use in Nigerian jewellery dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese traders exchanged coral for spices, textiles, and other goods. They were initially used by Benin royalty, before their use spread across other Nigerian tribes. Now, they’re commonly used for special occasions such as weddings, coronations, and religious ceremonies. However coral harvesting is unsustainable, posing a major ecological threat as well endangering the cultural heritage of Nigeria’s coral bead jewellery; so how can cultural preservation coexist with environmental protection? IVIE answers this question through the elimination of natural coral in Nigerian coral bead jewellery and creation of an eggshell biomaterial that authentically replicates their cultural and aesthetic value, thus supporting the ecological preservation of coral reefs.

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