Dimensions: 26 3/4 x 3 x 4 7/8 in. (67.95 x 7.62 x 12.38 cm)
Copyright: Public Domain
This lei niho palaoa, or whale tooth pendant, was crafted by Kānaka Maoli, the Native Hawaiians. It features a pendant made of whale ivory suspended between strands of intricately woven human hair, a symbol deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture. The whale tooth, a rare and precious material, signifies power and status. Its presence evokes the life force, or mana, associated with whales, transferring this symbolic weight to the wearer. The strands of human hair, carefully braided and bound, suggest a connection to ancestors and lineage. Hair, in many cultures, is believed to hold a person's essence, acting as a conduit to the past. Consider the cyclical nature of materials: the whale, the human, the braided cord, and the bond between the wearer and their heritage. This piece is not merely adornment, but a potent embodiment of memory, power, and ancestral connection. Its echoes can be found in other cultures, where precious materials and human remains serve as powerful symbols of continuity and identity.
Necklaces like this one were treasured objects in traditional Hawaiian society, worn by both men and women, and preserved among families for generations. The hook-shaped pendant is carved of ivory, very rare until brought to the islands by trade in the early nineteenth century. Its graceful curving form holds a number of symbolic associations, including connections with fishhooks, chiefly authority, and the gods. The human hair forming the collar was donated by the friends and family of the owner to show their affection and support. It was then painstakingly plaited into one extremely long, fine single cord, which was then looped into bundles at each side.
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