Born and raised in Louisiana, it was only in her thirties that Karla King first heard anything about Louisiana’s prehistoric native populations, particularly the mounds that these societies built. She was first introduced to the phenomenon via the LSU mounds, only learning about the Poverty Point site by tripping upon a state-produced brochure.
Oh my God; why have I not known about this? she remembered wondering about what are arguably the most significant monumental earthworks in the southern states.
“The first time I saw the site—the symmetry, the design—it was just absolutely beautiful, and I was awestruck.” So inspired, she introduced a Poverty Point charm into her line of Louisiana-inspired jewelry, which also includes the mothering pelican from the state flag.
When the site received its new World Heritage designation, King received a call from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. They wanted her to produce the five hundred lapel pins that would be given out at the dedication ceremony scheduled for October 11. Of course, she accepted.
King’s existing design will need to be “tweaked” a little; and she has partnered with local jewelers Shavarsh K. and Robert Brown to create and manufacture the pewter pin design. Shop for it and other Louisiana bling at louisianacharm.com.
