Lisa Black Jewellery

Rare and unusual seed forms were often used as ornament in the northern regions of continental Australia, as well as in many of the Pacific Islands. Native people would use seeds for everyday adornment as well as ceremonial functions.

These seeds, called ‘Mangutji,’ by the indigenous Australians, are very specifically categorized. Locals are particular about noting and ‘claiming’ individual trees and the seed produced. The actual seed and tree locations are significant to the individual or communities that use them.

Aenanthera pavonina, are collected by indigenous women living in remote areas of northern Australia, particularly northeast Arnhem Land, and are generally referred to as Red Bead Tree Seeds. To the Murri (Aboriginal) people, neck ornaments in shades of red are the most desirable, since they believe the color reinforces the connection to the earth spirit. Red bead tree seeds often refer to ancestral links as well as plant or animal totems emanating from the land.

Erythrina verspertilio, or Bat Winged Coral Seeds are typical adornment for aboriginal women in central and northern Australia. Seeds from this tree are often collected once fallen to the ground. At that point the seeds are well formed and brightly colored, thus easy to locate. Since they are rather hard, the hole for stringing is often burned through; therefore the seeds retain the scent of a desert campfire for quite a long time.