Tribu products are created from natural materials. We search the world for the best sources in order to ensure the very finest quality and highest standards for each material. Click on the material name to browse items within that category.
We use a wide variety of shells for various different products. The most important among these are the Cowrie shell and the Eye of Shiva. Further more we attempt to source as many of our shells as possible from freshwater locations to help reduce the imapact on the overworked salt water habitats.
The Cowrie:
The Cowrie is the small, white 'crab-claw' shell used in many of our belts and necklaces. This shell can be found on almost any beach in the world and is believed to have magical powers by the inhabitants of the West African coast.
The Eye of Shiva:
The Eye of Shiva with its distinctive spiral markings can be found across the world from Greece to Australia. the 'Eye of Shiva' is the name of the small 'trap' door (operculum) protecting the tropical Turban Shell sea snail when danger looms. When the creature dies naturally, this little protective door drops off the shell - and becomes a sought-after treasure, brought up from the sea bed by divers.
Abalone-Paua Shell:
Abalone-Paua Shell: Found in the sea around New Zealand Paua Shell is the most colourful of all the abalone shells. Most other abalone is pale in comparison. The colour in the paua shell changes when viewed at different angles is what makes paua shell so amazing as a gem material for use in jewellery.
Each shell is different in its colour tonings, and in the patterns within the shell.
The black patterns in the shell come from layers of protein that are laid down between the layers of calcium that make up the shell. The brilliant colours are from light being refracted within the crystal layers. It�s the same effect as the iridescent colour found in Opals.
Paua shell was traditionally used by Maori to illuminate the eyes of their carving and artwork. The reddish coloured shell were most prized for depicting the flashing red eyes of the warrior.
Paua meat is a traditional delicacy for the Maori and the shell is a by-product of catching paua for their meat. By purchasing a piece of paua shell jewellery you are increasing the value of this resource and helping ensure that It continues to be a managed in a sustainable way.
Mother of pearl:
Mother of pearl is the shell of molluscs such as mussels and oysters, the shining, playful, and reflected light of mother of pearl has attracted the attention of humanity since the beginning of time.
White Mother of Pearl: This is from pearl-bearing oysters. Its reflective properties are high and it is one of the most commonly used types of this material.
Iridescent Mother of Pearl: This is a type in which the colours of pink and green are predominant
