Oceania, Polynesia, Tahiti, Society Islands, ca. 19th century CE. This is a gorgeous collection of over a hundred shells that are pierced for threading as a traditional hei necklace or crown. The shells are likely a type of dove shell with a pointed spire, ranging from pale yellow to bright white and striated brown. The shells are pierced through the chamber opening and then threaded together on modern filament wires - but traditionally would be strung on coconut fibers. They are pleasingly arranged on 4 threads and the brown shells are clustered together in one area. Polynesian societies had hereditary leaders known as "ali'i" who ruled a society and personal ornaments were crucial to distinguish roles in this society. Adornments such as shell necklaces known as "hei" (Tahitian word for lei) and crowns indicated the highest rank. Size (strand): 6.5" Diameter x 0.75" W (16.5 cm x 1.9 cm); 9.75" H (24.8 cm) on included custom stand; (average shell): 0.5" L x 0.25" W (1.3 cm x 0.6 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168544

Shells are intact and very good. Shells are strung on modern filament wires. Necklace is professionally mounted on an acrylic stand and not recommended for wearing.