Jewelry as protection

FROM: Understanding Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry: The Art, The Artists, The History by Alexander Dawkins (Foreword by Corinne Hunt)
p.90-91 'Some crest symbols...on amulets, pendants, rings, (etc) are said to have spiritual powers that enable them to protect or heal...These objects “...do not so much act as receptacles of these powers as provide a catalyst through which they could be called upon...” either by the wearer or with the help of a healer...Most sought after as spiritual guardians are beings that can travel between these distinct worlds (sea, sky, land)...Amongst Indigenous cultures around the world, body orifices are seen as portals between internal spirit and the outside world. Healers and high-ranking individuals wore (...) lip labrets, earlobe plugs, earrings and nose rings to protect their soul from external threats and prevent it from leaving their body. This jewelry is often made from bone or abalone shell, both of which are softer materials and easier to wear in sensitive areas...:bone is often considered sacred because it exists beyond death and is said to contain the essence of a person; abalone shell has iridescent qualities that have long been linked to the sun's energy and strength. Wearing jewelry made these materials can be viewed as both visually and spiritually empowering.'