Lei Niho Palaoa
Carved whale tooth pendants with woven human hair cordage
These lei niho palaoa, or carved whale tooth pendants, are an important symbol of the chiefly rank in Hawaiian society, which is derived from genealogical descent and the power held by particular families.
The carved form of the lei niho palaoa pendant mimics the shape of a protruding tongue. It alludes to the genealogical right of the chiefs to speak for and rule their people. The pendant is suspended on coils of finely braided human hair. As hair contains mana, or divine power, a chief wearing a lei niho palaoa carried the mana of his or her ancestors, as well as that of the gods.
The term lei niho palaoa has evolved over time to refer to the symbolic representation of the pendant, and not necessarily the material from which they were made. Many lei niho palaoa worn by members of high rank in Hawaiian society were crafted from materials such as bone or coral. However, lei niho palaoa made of sperm whale ivory were reserved only for the highest of aliʻi, or chiefs.
If a beached whale were found, it was well received and became the property of the aliʻi. Places where whale carcasses washed ashore were considered sacred, and control over these locations were often contested, as the additional mana from a whale could tip the scales in a struggle for dominance.
The Museum cares for over 50 lei niho palaoa of various dates, sizes, and styles. Some of these lei niho palaoa were once worn by Hawai'i's monarchs.