lei niho palaoa human hair and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) length overall 10 1/2in (26.6cm) length of pendant 4 1/2in (11.4cm) Provenance R. Nagatani Collection, Kahala, Hawai'i Mark and Carol Blackburn Collection, Honolulu, Hawai'i California Private Collection According to Cox & Davenport, "Of all the specialized forms invented by Polynesian sculptors, the curving tongue shape in the 'aumakua images of Hawaii is the most striking and significant abstraction. In its ultimate abstract shape, it is translated into the whaletooth ornament, lei niho palaoa. The form occurs in several variations on the head crests of images, drum base designs, helmets and as a two-dimensional pattern on the feather capes and cloaks. A number of meanings might easily be applied to it as a pure symbol. It is well known that the lei niho palaoa was a badge of rank, its use strictly limited to the ali'i. Malo names the lei palaoa as the object of second greatest value in ancient Hawaii, second only to the feather capes and cloaks." (Hawaiian Sculpture University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu, 1951, p. 41) Composed of multiple finely braided strands of human hair threaded through a walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) bone hook of large proportions and pierced for attachment; the pendant with rich, honey-brown patina; the braided hair bundles extremely thick and much fuller than normal.