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Artifact Number:
 1910.018.010

Object:
Necklace
Lei niho palaoa

Material:
 Ivory (whale), hair (human), plant (olona)

Dimensions:
 29.5 x 14.0 x 6.0 cm.

Origin:
 Hawaii, Polynesia

Comments:
 The olona (Touchardia latifolia) tying cords are intact. Several strands of the braided hair are severed. One strand had been knotted back together. This is one of six lei niho palaoa that came to the museum from the royal residence, Washington Place. The process of creating both the pendant from ivory and the braided hair necklace added to its mana or spiritual power.



Collection Name: Liliuokalani Collection

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BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP MUSEUM
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu Hawai`i 96817-2704 USA