'Ula sisi

human history

'Ula sisi. Neck ornament. 'Ula is a type of Samoan adornment, worn around the neck. It is worn on special occasions, as part of a dance attire and offered as gifts to family, friends and visitors. This 'ula sisi is made up entirely of yellow gastropod shells and fibrous string. The shells are perforated near the lip using a sharp implement. They are then carefully threaded onto a brown, fibrous string to form the 'ula sisi. The shells are strung on in neat layers to create a full look. This 'ula is much like the kahoa hihi (yellow snail shell garland) of Niue.

Accession number: 1931.390 Last Update: 14 Sept 2023
Other Name

necklace

Neck ornament of shells

Accession Number

1931.390

Accession Date

1931

Other Id

16648.1 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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