LIHUE — The Kauai Historical Society is celebrating its 100th birthday by diving into, what else, the past. But Saturday’s celebration will examine a much more delicate, nuanced piece of history than simply memorizing names and dates. It will look
LIHUE — The Kauai Historical Society is celebrating its 100th birthday by diving into, what else, the past.
But Saturday’s celebration will examine a much more delicate, nuanced piece of history than simply memorizing names and dates.
It will look at the making of shell leis from Niihau. Specifically, the precision and skill required to make them, and the status and beauty the jewelry represents.
“They have to pierce each of the shells in the right place,” said Donna Stewart, KHS spokeswoman. “It’s totally amazing to me because I couldn’t do it. Each shell has to be painstakingly pierced and cleaned.”
Before that, the similar color and sized shells must be found on Niihau.
Some of the shells are so small, searching for them requires hunters to lay on their bellies and scan for them with their eyes barely above the sand.
The author of the go-to book on Niihau shell leis, Linda Paik Moriarty, will lead a presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lihue Parish Hall behind King Auto Center.
The event is free. People are asked to bring their Niihau leis if they want to learn more about the piece’s history and significance.
Timeless adornments and rare shells gathered on Niihau shores will also be on display.
Info: 245-3373, info@kauaihistoricalsociety.org
