Abalone Shells: A Spiritual and Cultural Treasure in Indigenous Traditions

photo of the inside of an abalone shell; a sage smudge is being held near the shell

The word “abalone” originates from North American Indian tribes, reflecting its significant place in their cultures. Abalone (ab-ah-LOW-nee), a large marine gastropod mollusk, is found in the cold waters of regions like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Japan, and the west coast of North America. Its global distribution across various cultures explains its many names, […]