At its centre, a bold whirling motif creates an almost vortex-like effect. Its vivid cherry-red colour remains remarkably strong despite the work having been made nearly a century ago, particularly given the fugitive nature of red dyes. The form of the motif itself is suggestive of a chiton, or gumboot, its radiating sections recalling the distinctive segmented body of the marine mollusc. Around the perimeter, a finely woven whaling scene encircles the shell.

The marvel of works such as this lies in the difficulty of their construction. The fibres had to be carefully selected and prepared, the shell cleaned and polished, and the weaving drawn firmly around its irregular curves without obscuring its natural form. The result depends on extraordinary control, with the basketry fitted so precisely that the woven covering and luminous surface of the shell appear almost inseparable.