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There are a number of different kinds of shells used
in Ni'ihau lei making. We will focus on the three primary types you
normally see in Ni'ihau leis today. |
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Momi: |
Momi translates to "pearl", and is one of the most
popular shells used in Ni'ihau lei making today. It has five major colors,
each with a distinct light to bright hue of each shade.
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Kahelelani: |
The Kahelelani is named after an ali'i chief of the same name. One
of the smallest Ni'ihau shells, there are ten colors of Kahelelani. These
shells can be strung either in combination with Momi (Kipona style), or
by themselves in bright leis which show off the variety of colors. |
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Laiki: |
The Laiki shells ("rice shells") tend to be white or yellow
in hue and are have the same appearance as a grain of rice. These shells
are pierced differently, from end to end, and can be found in the long
single strands (Kui Pololei) favored by Hawai'i's queens. Today, you see
then in the elaborate wedding leis still used by Ni'ihau brides. |
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Alilea: |
The Alilea is a larger Ni'ihau shell which is not as commonly used in
Leis. You find them in both white and yellow variations. These shells can
be strung in kui pololei or pikake style for impressive leis. Due to the
size of the shells, these leis are usually worn by men. |
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Olepelepe: |
A delicate shell, 'Olepelepe comes is a variety of pastel colors. These
shells are typically used in hatbands or other flat laying leis. The shells
are paper-thin, a challenge to pierce and sew. |
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| Poleho: |
A golden to deep brown shell, the Poleho is somewhat delicate. Although
not commonly used in Ni'ihau leis to to it's fragile nature, you sometimes
find Poleho shells mixed with Momi shells in a Pikake tied, Kipona style
lei. |
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| Uncommon shells used in Lei Making |
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Kahakaha
(Old Style): |
The longer version of the Kahakaha shell which you commonly see today.
In years past you might find a lei lei made with this shell, blended with
other Momi colors. This shell if not used much today. |
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| Laiki 'apu'upu'u: |
While not the most popular shell, lei versions of this shell are made
from time to time. Some lei makers will collect these shells and create
multi-strand leis of the smaller shells. Colors range from white, to spotted
with light or dark brown. |
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