Abalone is a mollusk or sea snail that clings to rocks in coastal waters. She carries the spirit of the ocean and embodies the sacredness of water. She is tied to the cycles of the moon and cleansing energy of the tides.

Historically, inland Indigenous communities traded with Coastal Nations for these shells and they became the beautiful vessels that we still use today for burning our sacred medicines, creating tools and jewelry.

Abalone was overharvested in the 1970’s and 80’s when restaurants sold the expensive mollusk as an aphrodesiac. Abalone quickly became endanged and totally disappeared from north american oceans.

All Abalone shells are now imported (Mexico/Asia/Australia, etc.) or acquired from farms. While some fish farms can be beneficial, many are detrimental to the natural environment by intruducing genetically modified species, disease, waste and upset to shoreline ecosystems.

With this understanding, Pass The Feather in partnership with Millside Ceramics have created an alternative: ceramic smudge bowls.

Creation/Creator, Ancestors and the Sky/Spirit World will hear you. It doesn’t matter what kind of bowl you use in your ceremony.

Pass The Feather Smudge Kits Now Include Traditional Clay Pinch Pot Smudge Bowls

PTF will no longer buy abalone shells simply because the origins are not North America - even if they are, it is not guaranteed that the farm is safe and not environmentally detrimental.

Your Pine Feather Keeper Smudge Kit will now contain hand made, traditional clay pinch pot smudge bowls. These bowls are hand made by Iehstoseranon:nha. They take longer, but we know it is an ethical and safe alternative. I am willing to do the work to ensure the health of Mother Earth and her all of her children - our relatives.