'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. The shells are perforated near the lip, using a sharp implement, which are then threaded onto a dark brown, fibrous string to form the 'ula sisi. Both ends of the 'ula is open-ended, whereas the 'ula has broken in different parts and tied together. This 'ula is like the kahoa hihi (yellow snail shell garland) of Niue.

Accession number: 1986.241 Last Update: 3 Jul 2026
Other Name

ula (Samoan)

Shell neck ornament (English)

Place
Samoa/Pacific
Accession Number

1986.241

Accession Date

20 Oct 1986

Other Id

52305.7 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

Enquire API view
5 Images
necklace Cultural Permissions Apply
View gallery ( 5)