Rare 19th C. Tahitian Polychrome Shell Hei Necklace
Oceania, Polynesia, Tahiti, Society Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful shell lei or crown comprised of hundreds of miniature momi shells (Euplica varians) that are skillfully woven and arranged to present attractive geometric patterns. The shells were selectively placed so that their contrasting colors - black, white, peach, and butterscotch - were utilized to create these marvelous motifs. Hei is the Tahitian word for the traditional Hawaiian lei. The precious nature of this piece is impacted by the presence of the black kahelelani shells which are particularly rare. Size (necklace): 26.9" L (68.3 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand; (average bead): 0.2" L x 0.25" W (0.5 cm x 0.6 cm)
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 name for lei) and crowns indicated the highest rank.
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.
#168526
Condition Report: Likely restrung on modern stringing in modern times. Minor nicks and abrasions to some shells, otherwise intact and very good. Necklace is suspended from display stand via modern metal wires. We do not recommend removing the necklace for wear.
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Oceania, Polynesia, Tahiti, Society Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful shell lei or crown comprised of hundreds of miniature momi shells (Euplica varians) that are skillfully woven and arranged to present attractive geometric patterns. The shells were selectively placed so that their contrasting colors - black, white, peach, and butterscotch - were utilized to create these marvelous motifs. Hei is the Tahitian word for the traditional Hawaiian lei. The precious nature of this piece is impacted by the presence of the black kahelelani shells which are particularly rare. Size (necklace): 26.9" L (68.3 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand; (average bead): 0.2" L x 0.25" W (0.5 cm x 0.6 cm)
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 name for lei) and crowns indicated the highest rank.
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.
#168526
Condition Report: Likely restrung on modern stringing in modern times. Minor nicks and abrasions to some shells, otherwise intact and very good. Necklace is suspended from display stand via modern metal wires. We do not recommend removing the necklace for wear.
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