Necklace of snail shells on a fibre rope

Description:

This necklace is called a ´´ula sisi´´. In Samoan, it is called necklace and shells. This necklace was worn by children. \In Samoa, people wore jewelry made from flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, shells and whale ivory. People decorated their bodies with tattoo and oil and wore clothing made from leaves and plant fiber, such as decorated tree bark cloths (siapo) and fine mats woven from pandanus leaves ('ie sina). Today, most of these materials (except whalebone) are still used to make clothing and jewelry. Necklaces are worn on important occasions and given as gifts to guests. \Necklaces were made by women with the exception of whale tooth necklaces, which were made by men.

Format:

image

Collections:

National Museum of World Cultures Foundation

Content partner:

National Museum of World Cultures Foundation

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