Niho Palaoa Necklace - Antique Silver

• Made in Japan
• Pendant dimensions: 2.5cm height x 1cm width x 1cm depth
• Link chain length: 50cm
• Hook and ring clasp
• Silver-plated brass

This pendant is inspired by the lei niho palaoa, which was worn by high-ranking aliʻi from Hawaiʻi Island. The lei featured an ivory pendant carved from whale’s tooth (the niho palaoa) into a tongue-like shape. 

This unique shape has been interpreted in a couple of different ways. It’s been said that the tongue communicated the wearer’s authority and underscored the power of the spoken word in ancient Hawaiʻi. It’s also been said that the pendant symbolized a protruding tongue, which culturally, was regarded as a flex of sorts, a show of the wearer’s fearlessness and defiance.