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Identifier
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PUA_ART_2025_2
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Title
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Ni'ihau Shell Lei
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Description
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A 6-strand Ni'ihau shell lei with a large shell pendant likely created between 1900 and 1960. According to Ni'ihau Cultural Heritage Foundation, the term 'Ni'ihau shell' legally refers only to shells gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island, or Ni'ihau in Hawaii. Access to this island is highly restricted to preserve its unique culture and environment, making this style of lei both culturally significant and highly valuable.
There are three different shells that are commonly used to make Ni‘ihau shell lei: kahelelani, momi, and lāiki, as well as a fourth one, kāmoa, which is frequently used to add contrasting color.
This particular lei appears to be made primarily of momi or lāiki shells with a pōleholeho lenalena pendant.
Donated by Charlotte Phillips in honor of her mother.
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Date: Year(s)
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1900/1960
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Date: Display
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1900-1960
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Is Part Of
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Permanent Art Collection
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Extent
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37" long if laid out horizontally; hangs down roughly 18" when clasped.
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Copyright
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English
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
