A Hawaiian necklace, Hawaii

lei niho palaoa, composed of multiple strands of braided human hair supporting a large pendant carved from walrus (odobenus rosmarus) tooth; old label attached, printed 'Miss Ayling' and inscribed with brown ink recto 'Lent by [Miss Ayling] 22. North Street Chichester' and verso 'Necklace of braids of human hair, cut from the heads of victims slain by the chiefs themselves, the hook carved from a whale's tooth, called a Paloola [sic], regarded by the natives as a sort of  idol... (no longer procurable. A few specimens preserved in Museum at Honolulu.) Brought from the Sandwich Islands by Thos. Ayling Surgeon RN. 1845.'; fine aged patina.

Reportedly collected in situ by Thomas Ayling, Surgeon, Royal Navy, in 1845, and by descent through the family to Miss Ayling, Chichester, England
Kiyoshi Hosoi, Honolulu
Sotheby Parke-Bernet, December 13, 1975, lot 180
American Private Collection
Sotheby's New York, April 19, 1983, lot 108
Acquired at the above auction

Good condition overall; thin vertical split to the hook, as seen on photograph; a few strands loose.
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.