'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 of pule (cowry shells), gastropod shells and string. The sisi are mostly off-white in colour with a gloss-like surface. The colour of the gastropod shells are of many shades of brown. The shells are threaded together by a brown woollen string. 'Ula sisi are worn on special occasions, as part of dance attire and offered as gifts to family, friends and visitors.

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

52305.5 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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11 Images
ornament, neck, 1986.241, 52305.5, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 27 Feb 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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