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Hand-Crafted in Hawai`i with Aloha
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Traditional Hawaiian Arts & Crafts  *  Posters  *  Greeting Cards, Calendars, etc.
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Gorgets

     Hand-hammered in copper, these gorgets, medallions worn near the throat, come strung on leatherette. Gorgets have been worn as personal decoration and regalia in many cultures throughout history. Capt. Cook saw Polynesians wearing elaborate gorgets carved from shell when he explored the Pacific islands. Native American and First Nations people continue to wear gorgets as part of their dance regalia. We are happy to discuss creating custom pieces for regalia and personal adornment.

Jewelry as seen at the
Hilo Inter-Tribal PowWow

`Iwakeli`i - Casseopeia

Known to the Western world as Cassiopeia `Iwakeli`i is a great Man-o-War bird, or frigate bird which flies high in the Hawaiian winter sky.

Gorgets are approximately 5" across.

`Iwalani

The feather wheel was inspired by Leilehua's memories of the Spanish / Mexican architecture, especially of windows, she saw on trips into Southern California with her maternal grandmother. Both of her grandmothers loved the culture and arts of Mexico, and that has remained an influence on Leilehua's art to this day.

Manaiakalani

The Hawaiian constellation Manaiakalani is known in the Western world as Scorpius. It is the name of the demi-god Māui’s fishhook, which he used to hook land at the bottom of the ocean, in some areas of Polynesia to drag up new islands, but in Hawai`i to pull the islands closer together. Manaiakalani is also given as the name of the fishhook of the Hawaiian fishing god Kū`ula-kai and his son `Ai`ai

Pϋlo`ulo`u

This commemorative gorget was created for the Hilo Inter-Tribal Powwow and can only be purchased at the Powwow. The design represents the crossed pϋlo`ulo`u, "kapu sticks," used to denote sacred areas. We use theme here to represent the sacred space of the dance arbor.

Other Necklaces

Copper Feathers

While we did not set out to make jewelry with our copper feathers, that is exactly what most people buy them for! These feathers are based on actual bird feathers and hand cut, burned, and burnished. Thus, no two are ever exactly alike.

Though we originally hung ours from a tree, they do look wonderful as necklaces!

Bracelets and Arm Bands

`Iwakeli`i

Known to the Western world as Cassiopeia `Iwakeli`i is a great Man-o-War bird, or frigate bird which flies high in the Hawaiian winter sky. The constellation is burned out of this cuff-style bracelet.

Manaiokalani

The Hawaiian constellation Manaiakalani is known in the Western world as Scorpius. It is the name of the demi-god Māui’s fishhook. Here, it is burned into a hand-hammered copper cuff bracelet.

Niho Manö

Approximately 1-1/2" by 12"

The manö, shark, is revered as a family guardian by many in Hawai`i. Wearing a tattoo or other image of the teeth calls to mind the shark's protective influence. Here, the niho manö design is hammered into copper for use as an armband.

Ke ala o ka Manö

Approximately 1-1/2" by 12"

"The Path of the Shark" This double niho manö design leaves a path between the teeth of the shark. It reminds the wearer that as long as one is on the correct path, the protection of this powerful `aumakua is with one.

Ke ala o ka Manö `Ili Kai

Approximately 2-1/2" by 14"

"The Path of the Shark on the Surface of the Sea" Honoring paddlers and other voyagers, this double niho manö design leaves a path between the teeth of the shark as it skims the surface of the sea. It reminds the wearer that as long as one is on the correct path, the protection of this powerful `aumakua is with one.

Ke Ala Kai o ka Manö

Approximately 2-1/2" by 14"

"The Sea Path (current) of the Shark " This double niho manö design leaves a path between the teeth of the shark as it travels through the broad open-ocean current of the sea. It reminds the wearer that as long as one is on the correct path, the protection of this powerful `aumakua is with one.

Pö`ai Inikini

"Powwow Dance Circle" Is a special commemorative arm band created especially for the Hilo Inter-Tribal Powwow  and available only at the powwow. The dance circle is shown protected by the niho manö, representing the warriors and dancers of both Native Hawaiian and Native American cultures.

Plain Armbands

Plain armbands in polished copper can be made to any size. Shown, 4" by 20"

Price Varies
email for current prices
and
custom work

Hair Pins and Ornaments

Hair Pins

Brass hairpins come with assorted beads

Approximately 5" - 6" long

No selecting