
Fine 19th C. Tahitian Shell Necklace Strand Hei / Crown
Similar Sale History
Recommended Items




Item Details
Description
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
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
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
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
Condition
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.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Fine 19th C. Tahitian Shell Necklace Strand Hei / Crown
Estimate $1,400 - $2,100
Jun 15, 2022
Get pre-approved to bid live.
Shipping, Payment & Auction Policies
Offers In-House Shipping
Ships from Louisville, CO, United States
Local Pick-Up Louisville, CO, United States

Related Searches


0056: Fine 19th C. Tahitian Shell Necklace Strand Hei / Crown
Lot Passed
•0 BidsEst. $1,400 - $2,100•Starting Price $700
Fine Art, Ancient Artifacts, Fossils, More!Jun 15, 2022 10:00 AM EDTBuyer's Premium 26.5%
Lot 0056 Details
Description
...
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
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
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
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
Condition
...
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.
Contacts
Artemis Gallery
720.890.7700686 S. Taylor Avenue Suite 106
Louisville, CO 80027
USA
LiveAuctioneers Support
info@liveauctioneers.comTOP