Pupu and puka seed necklace

This necklace is from Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and was probably made for the local tourist market.

Significance and construction

Necklaces are an essential part of many Pacific cultures, they are often used as part of dance costumes, given as gifts or worn for special occasions. They are made from a variety of natural products such as fresh leaves, scented flowers, fruit, seeds, shells, and whales' teeth, threaded together in various combinations.

This necklace is made from a string of yellow pupu shells (sea animal) and brown puka (seed). The pupu are arranged in clusters separated at even intervals by 16 puka seeds. The necklace fastens with a small metal clasp.

Acquisition history

The necklace was offered as a gift to Te Papa in 2017 by curator and poet Jean T. Chapman-Mason (Cook Islands/English).