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Oceania · c. 1000 – today

Lei niho palaoa

What it is
Hawaiian chiefly pendants, a hooked tongue of sperm-whale ivory hung from hundreds of finely braided strands of human hair. They signified sacred rank (kapu) and mana.
Making yours
5–12 cm hooked ivory tongue (use bone or resin) on two thick coils of 8-ply braided black cord.
See all 7, save the ones that feel rightAsk about having one made
WLA haa Lei Niho Palaoa Neck Ornament 5WLA haa Lei Niho Palaoa Neck Ornament 5Boki and Liliha (PP-96-2-001)Boki and Liliha (PP-96-2-001)Necklace, Hawaii, before 1871, human hair, whale toothNecklace, Hawaii, before 1871, human hair, whale toothGovernor Boki of Oahu and his Wife Liliha, oil on canvas by John HayterGovernor Boki of Oahu and his Wife Liliha, oil on canvas by John HayterLei Niho Palaoa (Neck Ornament), 19th century, Carved sperm whale tooth, braided human hair, olona cordageLei Niho Palaoa (Neck Ornament), 19th century, Carved sperm whale tooth, braided human hair, olona cordageMele (Mary) Kaupoko (Padeken)Mele (Mary) Kaupoko (Padeken)WLA haa Pair of Lei Niho Palaoa Neck OrnamentWLA haa Pair of Lei Niho Palaoa Neck Ornament

More from Oceania: Hei-matau & Māori pendants · Melanesian & Pacific charms
Every type in the gallery

Anything in the gallery can be made, by hand, in the prescribed metal or yours and, where the tradition names an hour, at that hour or with a plain note that it was not. Numbered. Price on commission, quoted first. I reply within one business day.