Puka shells have always been representations of the beach lifestyle, fashion, and nature’s gift. Made from little round shells that are most commonly used in making attire giving neck ornaments such as necklaces, these items are very old and are appreciated for the casual form they seek. Whether you are beach scrolling or adding fashions to your summer season, puka shells prove an easy but closer poblano for the elements of the ocean.
What Are Puka Shells?
Puka or puca shells are small white or round-sided half colors taken from the opened ends of the conch shells or very spinous snails sea cone relatives. The word “puka” which can be literally translated as a hole or an opening is useful to describe the natural hole found in the puka shells which makes it easy to attach it on a necklace without any drilling.
The geographical location explains why puka paraoa shells are so significant to the Hawaiian people, tourists, and anthropology enthusiasts as well. This notion is endorsed by their usage in today’s jewelry, where puka shells and puka shell jewelry can be classified as ethnographic forms. There is taxation on the production of jewelry from these materials; the increasing focus on ethnocentrism in politics is often blamed for this increase.
The History of Puka Shells
Some of these functions have also been practiced today, especially amongst the tourism driven societies and the island’s culture. Nowadays, the wearing of the jewelry is rediscovered in an effort to combat the ‘destructive modern’ as some miss the old ways that ‘modernity’ has destroyed. However, due to their long period of existence within the colonies, such radical ideas never took root in most of these colonies.
In colonial societies, they were very influential to the natives and the indigenous formerly repressed people. The new materials and dominating ideologies in American society transformed these jewelries into acquiring new shapes in form of beaded necklaces and ornaments.
Jewelries including puka necklaces became in fashion in the early 1990s after the uprising of the muchapiko facemask during the societal reconstruction where Americans were taught the deep history and Culture of Japan.
Cultural Symbolism of Wearing Puka Shells
Among different Polynesian cultures, and most especially among the Hawaiian culture, puka shells are said to have strong cultural and spiritual meanings. Among the very many definitions related to the puka shells are the following:
- Protection: Normally, puka shells were put on the neck as necklaces by the islanders in order to protect the people. It was said that people who wore these shells could also avoid bad luck and remain safe more so at the sea.
- Good Luck: Hawaiian natives, consider these shells as symbols of good luck and so they wear them on many occasions in order to bring in fortune and positive energy.
- Connection to Nature: Since Puka shells are part of the ocean and its structure is natural, they represent the modern hawaiian way of thinking about the ocean and nature be one. Donning puka shells is a means of respect towards the ocean and nature as a whole.
- Relaxed Lifestyle: Most of the time puka shell necklaces worn by surfers help in portraying the easy going and careless attitude that beach goers tend to have. They act as a motivational detail in encouraging people to be relaxed, just like the ocean waves.
Puka Shells in Modern Fashion
It can be noted that although puka Shell necklaces attained their highest popularity in the 1970’s, they still attract attention in modern styles of clothing and adornments. These days, puka shells have made a comeback, especially in boho and minimalist chic jewellery. Let us see why these accessories remain timeless:
1. Casual and Versatile
Puka shell necklaces are perfect for those who like to wear a natural looking accessory without the added fuss. It is a favorite among the beach lovers but can also be worn as a piece of casual summer wear or stacked with other chains for high fashion.
2. Sustainable
Since puka shells are leftovers of sea snails and their writhing in the seas, it is a good fashion practice to wear them. In this respects, the puka shell jewelry is a more desired option than the synthetic ones for the environmentally conscious consumers.
3. Gender Neutral
Thanks to the many types of Puka shell jewelry, both men and women can wear them without problems. Normally, puka shell necklaces are dedicated to the surfing audience, but these shells can also become a bracelet or an ankle bracelet, which is why they are unisex.
4. Symbolism & Significance
Those who are interested in accessories with meaning beyond mere vanity are offered by puka shells more than a fashion statement. Whether as an accessory of a love for the sea, for a spiritual purpose or as auspicious tokens, puka shells are all attractive pieces of jewelry.
How to Style Puka Shell Jewelry
You can also try out puka shell necklaces and bracelets in different styles or during different occasions. You can style them with different kinds of outfits for different occasions and go towards:
- Going to the Beach: Worn with a casual swimsuit cover and shoes along with a straw hat and puka shell necklace perfects the beach look.
- Angelic Warrior: Just like any other necklace, string the necklace on top of other natural-material body ornaments such as wooden beads made of hemp or leather for that effortless boho look.
- Hip-Hop Style: Puka shell jewelry can also be used together with modern youth fashion statement. A white t-shirt and denim jacket worn together with puka shell necklace completes a simple but chic surf look.
- Simple Attire: To create a chic and refined dress code, a single puka necklace can be worn together with a blouse and a pair of similar color dull jeans. The plain white of the shell will act as a simple yet beautiful piece of decor.
How to Care for your Puka Shell Jewelry
Every woman would like to wear puka shell jewelry. Here are some easy ways you can care for your puka shell jewelry and be sure that it will stay with you for a long time.
- Avoid water: For most people, this would seem pointless because all puka shells are from the ocean. However too much soaking will loosen the string or other materials which the pieces of jewelry are made of.
- Store properly: Keep your puka shell jewelry in a normal dry place. Don’t expose any puka shell jewelry to the sun, because the color might change or even the material may deteriorate.
- Clean Gently: To wash puka shells, it is enough to use a soft fabric and some mild detergent solution. Do not make use of strong chemical substances or rough substances that might break and scratch the shells.
Conclusion
The wonderful world of puka shells is much more than a passing craze; it’s a link to history, environment and beach lifestyle. Puka necks jewelry never fails to win the hearts of wearers by its natural touch and simplicity whether it is worn for the purpose of protection and spirituality or just as a fashion accessory.
As puka shells once again return to the modern wardrobe, the essence of bliss, pleasure, and tranquility of the sea is embodied in them. If you are a person who loves surfing, going the beach, or even gets bored with unclad natural costumes embellished by simplistic juwelry, then, puka shells will be a classic and precious addition to any of your fashion wear.
