Discusses the history of the traditional hawaiian necklaces made of seas. Servants of the kings would walk the beaches and look for these. There are several shops throughout oahu that sell niihau shell lei including na mea hawaii, bishop museum shop pacifica and the honolulu academy of arts gift shop. Niihau shell leis direct to you from the island of niihau comes this beautiful niihau shell jewelry ranging in styles from casual to very dressy.
The precious niihau shells are also gathered and strung into shell leis which have long been treasured for their beauty and painstaking craftmanship. The value of tradition in niihau shell leis hawaii estate. Glowing like pearls the garlands are made of the most precious, and almost priceless, shell in the world, pupu o niihau. Just remember that the price of a lei, as with any other product or piece of art, is directly related to. The long process of making a necklace begins with collecting the tiny shells from ocean swept beaches and grading them according to color and size. Pupu o niihau niihau shell leis on kauai as far as i know, their leis are authentic, and in fact there is a law on the books here that you cannot advertise niihau shell leis unless they are actually from niihau. Niihau shell experts to confirm lei authenticity pacific. Legally, this term refers only to shells actually gathered on the shores of the forbidden island. The smallest of the populated hawaiian islands, niihau has an area of 70 square miles 180 square km.
See more ideas about hawaiian, shells and aloha hawaii. In the 20th century, thanks to curio shops, tourism, and soldiers who passed through hawaii during world war ii, these special jewels found a niche in a wider market. It may seem like a lot, but the craftsmanship and beauty of each individual lei cannot be denied. Niihau, hawaii links to a very interesting article about the history of the forbidden. Apr 18, 2015 stop in na mea hawaii on saturday april 18, 2015 from 10 am 1pm to have your niihau shell lei appraisal or simply repair or restring for many generations to enjoy. As a collector of the forbidden island shell necklaces, this book is indispensable and so enjoyable to learn how this vanishing craft was done. If you bought a niihau shell lei, where did you purchase. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options.
Why nihau is named the forbidden island all about niihau. Jul 25, 2016 many of our guests on our na pali coast tours are quick to point out an island off the west coast of kauai with curiosity. Niihau shell lei precious shells handpicked from hawaiian. Species used for shell leis includes momi euplica varians, laiki or rice shells mitrella margarita and kahelelani leptothyra verruca. Hiki no episode 112 ke kula niihau o kekaha public charter school. With an official notary, niihau shells can be evaluated based on its strain and style of stringing. The shells and jewelry are so popular that governor linda lingle signed a bill in 2004 to protect lei pupu o ni. Strung with niihau momi and kahelelani, the colors are ula ula burgundy and akala pua flower pink that compliment either side of the pearls for contrast and originality. A niihau shell lei is an intricate, individual, handsewn perpetual lei made from the.
As time went by, niihaus beguiling leis began to appear around the necks of hawaiis notable women, including dancers and even royalty. Moriarty 1986, hardcover at the best online prices at ebay. While some shells and shell colors are more common and easy to find, there are other varieties that are extremely rare and a lei that includes these particular shells will jump in price significantly. Buy niihau shell leis by linda paik moriarty online at alibris. Niihau shell leis by rob arita welcome to aloha kahelelani. Niihau shell lei at na mea hawaii native books youtube. Sep 11, 2015 authentic hawaiian 100% niihau shell lei with appraisal. A look at hawaiis truly remote islands, niihau and kahoolawe. Aunty pam dow and her wonderful lei designers paid a visit to na mea hawaii native books to perform niihau shell lei restoration and stringing. But it is rich with history, and is an important part of hawaiian culture.
A look at hawaiis truly remote islands, niihau and kaho. With large 710mm a grade tahitian pearls this represents a certifiable niihau shell lei with the fashionable compliment of pearls. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device. Niihau is probably most famous for the niihau shell necklaces or leis, which are handcrafted onisland. Niihau shell lei authenticity niihau cultural heritage. Because these shells have a variety of colors and markings, niihau. I was astonished by the leis beauty, the tiny colorful shells and her thick fingers.
I think the intricate nihau shell leis are gorgeous, but not for me. Many have not heard the forbidden island of niihau and for good reason its usually overlooked in hawaiian literature. This incredibly popular and beautiful jewelry composed of the tiny shells that populate the beaches of niihau can be yours to commemorate andor experience some of the niihau aloha from this beautiful. See more ideas about shells, shell jewelry and hawaiian jewelry. Niihau shell lei appraisal and repair na mea hawai. Now you can visit the privately owned island of niihau on a halfday tour or a hunting safari and take some niihau aloha home with you. One niihau shell lei can run from a hundred dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the shell type, color and design.
See more ideas about shells, hawaii and hawaiian islands. Niihau shell leis kolowalu books hardcover moriarty, linda paik isbn. The land was purchased in 1864 from king kamehameha v and is in many ways a time capsule of life in early hawaii. As for the origin of the shells according to the legislation cited above, many retailers give a certificate of authenticity stating that all of the shells are actually from the island of niihau. Niihau lies 17 miles 27 km southwest of kauai island. Niihau shell leis by linda paik moriarty havaiki 2020. Niihau shell experts to confirm lei authenticity pacific business news. They come in an amazing array of colors and can be woven into the most beautiful adornments. Comment if you have any questions and dont forget to check out my website lei day to learn more information about this lei and others. Museumquality niihau shell leis, the most luxurious of the permanent lei styles, are available at kauai heritage center of hawaiian culture and the arts, kauai shopping village, 808 8212070. Costs to be determined at the time of appointment based on condition of niihau shells. Im way too clumsy and im sure id end up crunching it in a car door, or setting something heavy down on top of it and cracking a shell or two, or catching it on something and breaking it. Niihau shell leis written by linda paik moriarty published by.
We hope you enjoy this site and welcome you to sign our guestbook with any comments you may have. Apr 19, 2020 the law also says niihau shell leis must be strung within the state, and stipulates that niihau shell leis be made with at least 80 percent of niihau shells and labeled with the niihau shell percentage content. Over 80% by count niihau shells, this piece is a high fashion statement. There are four species of niihau shells, or pupu o niihau.
This incredibly popular and beautiful jewelry composed of the tiny shells that populate the beaches of niihau can be yours to commemorate andor experience some of the niihau aloha from this beautiful island. For more than a hundred years royal persons, the queens and princesses of hawaii have been depicted in paintings and photos with jewels draped around their necks, often reaching to their fingertips. Browse our selection of books here at the islander group. Aloha kahelelani the finest quality hawaiian shell jewelry. A niihau shell lei expert from kauai will offer authenticity. Beautiful images, information and instruction, this book provides a brief history of these world renowned ornaments and surveys the. Authentic niihau shell lei custom shell jewelry fine. Niihau shell leis by linda paik moriarty, hardcover barnes. Niihau shell leis kolowalu books 9780824809980 by moriarty, linda paik and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. Kahelelani are the tiniest and most prized of the shells used to create hawaiian shell leis. In addition, anyone planning to purchase a lei but who has not had extensive experience in recognizing what constitutes quality in a niihau shell lei should take a few minutes to read the selecting a shell lei section of this website. The niihau shell lei is a special hawaiian necklace made from rare shells that can only be found on the island of niihau. May 03, 2004 a niihau shell lei expert from kauai will offer authenticity consultations of the creations through written verification at the bishop museum and native books from may 17 to 23.
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