Tuesday, September 15, 2009

NOT MAIREENERS – Leis From Hawaii

Clearly these shells are NOT Tasmanian 'maireener' shells albeit that they are described as such. Nevertheless, they are a part of an important indigenous Hawaiian cultural practice which in many ways parallels Tasmanian shell necklace making.

The "HAWAIIAN" cum "TASMANIAN MAIREENER SHELL" lei/necklace confusion is perhaps understandable but here it might be more to do with 'catching a buyer' than being correct. However, many 'traditional leis' including shells like these continue to command prices exceeding top end Tasmanian shell necklaces – Aboriginal production or non-Aboriginal production.

NB: the pink necklace is almost certainly dyed

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