Mempuc

Mempuc: Sacred Currency for a Sacred Purpose

 

At Sawalmem, we draw inspiration from the sacred traditions of the Winnemem Wintu people and their deep connection to the land and water. Central to this connection is Mempuc, a traditional form of sacred currency that embodies the values of reciprocity, community, and sacred exchange.

 

What is Mempuc?

 

Traditionally, Mempuc refers to clamshell money, a currency used by Indigenous peoples across Northern California and beyond. Crafted from clamshells sourced from the California coast, Mempuc was meticulously shaped into circular disks using a pump drill, then polished into uniform sizes. The thicker and larger the shell, the greater its value. Once completed, these disks were strung together and used in trade, ceremonies, and as gifts of honor.

 

But Mempuc was never just about material exchange. It was—and still is—a sacred currency. It holds value not only for its craftsmanship but for its ability to connect people, honor relationships, and serve as a physical representation of prayers and offerings. Mempuc was often gifted to dancers during ceremonies as a way to transfer prayers and good energy, offered to sacred waters or mountains in gratitude, or incorporated into regalia, symbolizing wealth, respect, and spiritual connection.

 

Mempuc in the Modern World

 

At Sawalmem, we honor the traditional concept of Mempuc by reimagining it in ways that connect ancient wisdom to modern tools. While we continue to use and value traditional Mempuc in cultural and ceremonial contexts, we also see its spirit reflected in the work we do today.

 

We believe that the values of Mempuc—reciprocity, sacred exchange, and connection—can flow through everything we create. That’s why we are introducing a new concept: Apparel as Mempuc. With this idea, our clothing and merchandise become more than just physical items—they become sacred gifts, imbued with meaning and intention, designed to contribute to the restoration of the land, water, and spirit.

 

Sawalmem Apparel as Mempuc

 

Our apparel is part of our first step in creating a modern sacred gift economy. Every piece is made with intention and carries the spirit of Mempuc. While our first collection—the Decolonize Collection—may feel bold and edgy, it reflects the urgency of our mission and the need for cultural, spiritual, and environmental justice.

 

Each item in the Decolonize Collection comes with a unique NFT attached to it as a Certificate of Authenticity. This NFT will be represented by an image of traditional Mempuc, honoring its sacred origins and connecting the wearer to the history and values it represents.

 

How It Works

 

1. Gifting, Trading, and Keeping

Just like traditional Mempuc, our apparel can be gifted, traded, or kept. When you purchase an item, you’re not just buying a hoodie or beanie—you’re participating in a sacred exchange. The NFT attached to the item becomes a record of this exchange, ensuring its authenticity and value in perpetuity.

2. A Sacred Investment

By purchasing our apparel, you’re investing in something larger than yourself. These pieces represent your support for sacred site restoration, salmon reintroduction, and the creation of a new gift economy centered on reciprocity and regeneration. While we are still developing ways to recirculate these NFTs within the economy of Sawalmem, we believe they will hold value—both spiritual and material—for years to come. Early buyers of our apparel and art will be rewarded later as we expand our initiatives.

3. Sacred Art in Action

We’re doing our best to view our apparel as sacred, even in the modern world. The Decolonize Collection may be a bold first step, but it’s rooted in the values of resistance, resilience, and renewal. It’s a reminder that even in the face of colonization and destruction, there’s an opportunity to restore balance and connection.

 

A Vision for the Future

 

Just as Mempuc once circulated to sustain communities and honor sacred exchanges, we hope to create a modern system where our apparel, NFTs, and the values they represent become part of a larger sacred gift economy. Our vision is to regenerate the land, restore the salmon, and reawaken the spiritual practices that sustain life. The introduction of Mempuc as NFTs is just the beginning—a small but powerful way to honor our traditions while embracing new tools for change.

 

By wearing Sawalmem apparel, you are becoming part of this story. You are carrying the spirit of Mempuc into the world, helping us create a future where sacred exchange, reciprocity, and restoration guide our collective journey.

 

Thank you for being part of this sacred mission. Together, we can bring the values of Mempuc to life and create a world where land, water, and spirit are honored once again.