Oceania, Polynesia, Tahiti, Society Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-built hei formed by stringing hundreds of petite momi (Euplica varians) shells in a variety of colors on a modern strand. Presented in hues of pearly white, golden sand, butterscotch, caramel, russet, and lavender, each conical shell exhibits a spiraling form with a peaked top and an opening along one lateral side. The shells are strung in groups of 6 or more and then placed along a modern strand to create a dense, spiralized pattern. These shells would have originally been strung on a singular strand when first created. Hei is the Tahitian word for the traditional Hawaiian lei. An intriguing and rare example of intricate Tahitian finery! Size (necklace): 26.75" L (67.9 cm); 11.7" H (29.7 cm) on included custom stand; (average bead): 0.7" L x 0.375" W (1.8 cm x 1 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.

#168543

Likely restrung with modern stringing in modern times. Minor nicks and chips to some shell beads, otherwise intact and very good. Necklace is suspended on display stand via modern metal wires. We do not recommend removing necklace for wear.