2010 géné géné

Necklace with case for umbilical cord, “Géné Géné”

A number of civilizations attribute a symbolic value to umbilical cords. In Bali for example a dried umbilical cord is kept in a case with a chain. This jewel, known as ‘Géné Géné’, is hung over the baby’s bedroom for the first three months of its life to protect it. Later on, the child will wear it, thus prolonging its protective function.

For me, the umbilical cord symbolizes the physical and emotional ties between mother and child. A piece of my umbilical cord that I kept after my daughter’s birth is contained in this piece of jewellery.