A fine Hawaiian necklace, Hawaii

lei niho palaoa, composed of numerous strands of finely braided human hair with each eight-ply braid comprised of five strands of hair, a massive pendant made of walrus tooth (odobenus rosmarus) at the center; fine aged surface.

K. A. Webster, London
James T. Hooper, Arundel, 1950
Christie's, London, June 21, 1977, lot 200
American Private Collection
Sotheby's, New York, April 29, 1983, lot 105
Acquired at the above auction

Steven Phelps, Art and Artefacts of the Pacific, Africa and the Americas: The James Hooper Collection, London, 1976, p. 79, pl. 39, cat. 335

Good condition overall; one area at the tip and another where the hook is attached with strand tips poking out.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.