'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.

Nama tāpiringa: 1986.241 Whakahounga o Mua: 3 Jul 2026
Ingoa Kē

ula (Samoan)

Shell neck ornament (English)

Wāhi
Samoa/Pacific
Accession Number

1986.241

Rā Tāpiringa

20 Oct 1986

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

52305.7 (ethnology)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
5 Mātātuhi
necklace Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 5)