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Whalebone and ivory necklace

Late 18th–early 19th century

Not on view

Whales were understood throughout Polynesia to be manifestations of the ocean god Tangaloa (Tahiti: Ta’aroa; Hawai’i: Kanaloa). Whalebone and ivory were therefore considered sacred relics into which the god’s divine essence was fused. Expertly fashioned into elaborate breastplates and pendants or split lengthwise to form spectacular necklaces, this rare and valuable material visually reinforced the chiefs’ descent from the gods and legitimated their rule.

Whalebone and ivory necklace, Whalebone, whale ivory; coconut fiber, human hair — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Whalebone and ivory necklace, Whalebone, whale ivory; coconut fiber, human hair

Whalebone and ivory necklace, Whalebone, whale ivory; coconut fiber, human hair

Whalebone and ivory necklace, Whalebone, whale ivory; coconut fiber, human hair

Whalebone and ivory necklace, Whalebone, whale ivory; coconut fiber, human hair

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This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Whalebone and ivory necklace

Date: Late 18th–early 19th century

Geography: Austral Islands

Medium: Whalebone, whale ivory; coconut fiber, human hair

Dimensions: H. 9 3/4 × W. 9 × D. 1 in. (24.8 × 22.9 × 2.5 cm)

Classification: Bone/Ivory-Ornaments

Credit Line: Private collection, Gordon Sze, MD

Object Number: SL.20.2018.6.1

The Met

The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Met

The Met's collection of art of the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands, and North, Central, and South America comprises more than eleven thousand works of art of varied materials and types, representing diverse cultural traditions from as early as 3000 B.C.E. to the present.