Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson chose a judicial collar loaded with symbolism for the 2025 Inauguration.

Over her black robes, the Justice wore a collar made of cowrie shells along with a pair of matching earrings. While the shell was used as currency in a variety of ancient cultures around the world, it was especially prized in African cultures, where it signified prosperity and protection. Meanwhile, the National Museum of African American History and Culture notes that, in America, the shell is thought to be a totem used to resist enslavement. Justice Jackson herself is a descendant of enslaved people The connection feels particularly prescient on Martin Luther King Jr Day, which happened to coincide with the Inauguration.

Many of you may know that we have sold versions of this collar before. Within the past two years, importing of cowrie shells from Kenya has been outlawed due to wildlife preservation reasons. I have found a way to work around this import violation. So if anybody wants one of these beautiful collars of dissent, feel free to place your order here. My team in Kenya is making them. Delivery will be within three weeks.