From beam: "Some of our favourite colours in an abalone shell, with a #4 travel brush and a waxed cloth wrapper! These shells can be used as a palette and carrier. They symbolize a great star that appeared in the sky to guide the Anishinaabe people in their great migrations, prior to European contact. The shell is commonly used to hold a ‘smudge’. A bit of white sage and other plants burned in the shell and their smoke would dispel negative energy, and carry prayers to the creator. I like to do a little smudge before painting, it’s a centering practice."