Shell Hei
Object detail
Accession number
2022.2.6
Production period
Description
Shell Hei. Necklace made from small baby’s ear shells strung together and dyed red. Larger white cockle shells have been added in pairs at regular intervals around the hei.
Brief History
This shell hei was collected by Keith Philip on one of his trips around the Pacific Islands in 1955 and 1957. Collected items from the Coral Route highlight a growing aero tourism industry and sharing of Pacific cultures. Necklaces are an essential part of Pacific cultures, often given as gifts, worn for special occasions, or forming part of dance costume (Te Papa Tongarewa).
Keith Philip flew on the Coral Route on two occasions with Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL). The Coral Route linked New Zealand with Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tahiti. Philip used his earnings from farm work to go on these trips and went with a friend. These friends felt the Pacific was close and easy to travel to with TEAL. TEAL used Solent flying boats, clearing coral reef, to create a tourist experience where islands were previously inaccessible by air.
Keith Philip flew on the Coral Route on two occasions with Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL). The Coral Route linked New Zealand with Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tahiti. Philip used his earnings from farm work to go on these trips and went with a friend. These friends felt the Pacific was close and easy to travel to with TEAL. TEAL used Solent flying boats, clearing coral reef, to create a tourist experience where islands were previously inaccessible by air.
Media/Materials
Other name
Necklace
Shell Necklace
Shell Necklace
Credit Line
Shell Hei, 2022.2.6. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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