Ni’ihau Collectors’ Lei, 48″ 3-Strand Kipona

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The Kahelelani (turban shells) in this beautifully layered lei are strung Mauna Loa-style, featuring the colors ʻōma’omao (green)ʻākala wai pāpipi (hot pink), ʻākala ʻāhiehie (bright pink), and mākuʻe (brown). The Momi (dove shells) are strung Pikake-style, featuring the colors kahakaha ʻāhiehie (striped light), ʻōnikiniki ‘eleʻele (spotted black), lenalena waha ‘ele’ele (yellow with black tips), and lenelena kahakaha (yellow striped).

Finished with two Pōleholeo ʻōpule (cowrie shells, smooth spotted) and a 14K gold-filled clasp, accented by two Kaunoʻo ʻeleʻele (sundial shells, black).

In stock

Medium: Niʻihau Shell
Size: 48 in

$12,500.00

Description

Ni’ihau Collectors’ Lei, 48″ 3-Strand Kipona. Crafted by master artisan Corey Karleen.

About The Artist ~ Corey’s Story

As a small child, I could walk out of my house – right onto Haena Beach – and delve into an amazing world of beautiful shells. Hearing the story of Ni’ihau shells when I was 8 years old, I focused on their cousin shells from Kaua’i and started to tediously pick these very small specimens, making my first rustic lei when I was just 10. But ages 16 through 21 were the years I became a competent lei maker.

For love, I moved to the mainland for 10 years and, upon my return, continued studying the art of shell lei through my favorite childhood book, Ni’ihau Shell Leis by Linda Park. I was truly inspired to make the leis in the book and could feel the passion running through my blood, and deep in my soul. I told myself I would do whatever it takes to carry on this amazing tradition. I hope that, when looking at this art, other people feel the same sense of awe that inspired me to create my leis.

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