18", hand crafted Hawaiian Lei sewn of high quality shells from shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. The puka shells (these are larger than usual) are a beach worn apex of the cone snail shell. The 'opihi shell is a mollusk and often adhere to rocks in intertidal areas. After hurricane Iniki in 1992, the 'opihi babies were washed ashore. The 'opihi shells are not commonly used in the Ni'ihau shell lei. The turtle is constructed of cowrie shells.

Length: 18"

Materials:

• Baby 'opihi shells (brown)
  
• Puka shells (large white)
  
• Cowrie shell turtle (pendant)
  
• Small silver plated spring clasp

More information at http://www.niihauheritage.org/ and www.kauaifinds.com
Barbara Kauai Hawaii USA