ABOUT ME

My name is Loan Favan, I am an artist and a jewelry designer from New Caledonia, a french island located in the Pacific Ocean. I am the founder of Naula_studio, a jewelry company now based in Bali, Indonesia. The leitmotiv of my work is my Pacific origins. I feel the urge to give back to my island and spread our culture through my minimal and futuristic designs. And therefore create more than simple jewelry pieces, but rather 'modern artefacts' holding ancestral and mystical power.

THE PROJECT

"Most of our traditions as islanders are rooted in the past and passed on by speech. Which made me wonder how our heritage will evolve or even survive in the future."

Ngei will be a collection of 5 monumental accessories inspired by the Kanak artifacts. The collection pays tribute to traditions and bring it into the future.

1. CĀC (‘spear’ in Nengone) is a symbolic weapon ‘piercing’, inspired by the traditional spears. CĀC awakens the warrior spirits within its wearer’s body and soul.
2. KOI (‘to draw water from’ in Nengone) is a modernized version of the Kanak gourd bottle. KOI is a massive necklace that allows its user to collect rainwater, which became rare on Earth.
3. SHEGU (‘to warm up next to the fire’ in Nengone) is inspired by ‘magic stones’ of New Caledonia, objects believed to hold power. Some magic stones were used in agriculture and were planted in the crops for a successful harvest. This new version contains all legends and customs' knowledge, so traditions will never be forgotten and passed on.
4. YAACÈ (‘spirit’ in Nengone) is a modernized version of the Kanak chambranles. Chambranles are wooden sculptures protecting houses, they are believed to host ancestors spirits.
5. NINEN (‘respect’ in Nengone) is a modernized version of the Kanak money. The money was exchanged during ceremonies between tribes as a sign of respect.

The idea is to exhibit the ancient objects next to their futuristic versions and by doing so, opening a conversation between their past and future.

THE RESEARCH

Being from New Caledonia, which is a french colony I never got to learn the customs of my own land and culture. With this project, I have taken steps back and learnt about my own origins and land. I hope this project can help our community to come back closer to their roots.

In the making process of the collection I have researched the history of our objects and legends to create pieces that will become more than jewelry, but part of tradition. I integrated details from the huts, the sacred wooden sculptures, the engraved bamboos...symbols that founded our past and that I believe can still be part of our future.

The idea is to exhibit the ancient objects next to their futuristic version and by doing so, re-questioning their future.

THE CONTRIBUTION 

To contribute to the emergence and remembrance of our heritage, I need your support. Each donation will help realize the metal pieces, the photoshoot, the 3D animated stories and exhibition. I would also like to give 10% of this project to Noumea Fashion Week, to encourage other creatives of the island to create in ambitious and bold ways for our community.

THE RISKS & CHALLENGES

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't help:

• Please share my campaign on any social media you use!
• Share through the social media links above.
• Tip your hat to a friend and mention this cool movie that's raising money on Indiegogo!