Ketanji Brown Jackson Wears Cowrie Shells at Trump's Inauguration

During Donald Trump's inauguration, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made a significant fashion statement by wearing a cowrie shell necklace, which has deep cultural and historical meanings. The cowrie shells, once used as currency and associated with wealth in various cultures, also have connections to the slave trade, where they were used to purchase enslaved individuals. Fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie noted that the necklace's dramatic presence against Jackson's black robe conveyed importance and intentionality, particularly on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The shells are believed to carry protective properties and symbolize womanhood, making Jackson's choice particularly poignant in light of Trump's controversial history regarding women's rights. Many observers interpret her choice as a powerful statement piece reflecting her heritage as a descendant of enslaved people. The necklace not only serves as a personal talisman but also connects to broader themes of resistance and empowerment in the face of historical oppression.