Hawaiian. <em>Necklace (Lei Niho Palaoa)</em>, early 19th century. Human hair, sperm whale tooth, fiber, pigment, 14 x 7 x 2 1/2 in. (35.6 x 17.8 x 6.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X839.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X839.3.jpg)

Necklace (Lei Niho Palaoa)

Artist:Hawaiian

Medium: Human hair, sperm whale tooth, fiber, pigment

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:early 19th century

Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 2 1/2 in. (35.6 x 17.8 x 6.4 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: X839.3

Image: X839.3.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Neck ornament composed of bundles of human hair that have been twisted into fine threads and tied at ends. Suspended from the center is a hook-shaped pendant made from whale tooth ivory. Incised on the pendant is inscription: "Sorcerer's necklace from Tahiti." Note: This type of ornament is Hawaiian, not Tahitian and is worn by people of royal rank. Condition: Good; hair is brittle, hook-shaped pendant is nicked on edges, ends of cord are fraying

Brooklyn Museum