Jewellery and decorative wear is a long lasting tradition of many Indigenous nations throughout Australia that continues to be practised today. Worn by men and women, these items are worn for many reasons including ceremony, dance, initiation and/or as a way to carry sacred or healing objects. Necklace's made from Burny beans are commonly found in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands where you can collect these beans along the beach. Burny Beans also known as Velvet beans, are better known by the scientific name of Mucuna gigantea. They drop from a rampant, fast-growing vine found in monsoon forests, open forests and woodlands, riverine, littoral, subtropical and tropical rainforests. Mucuna gigantea has pale green flowers in spring and summer. The fruit is a brown, thick pod containing 4 black seeds. Brindle red and black or brown seeds can also be found, but are not nearly as common as the black. This vine is a useful screening plant and readily attracts butterflies.
Paris Norton, Art and Object Curator 2019.
