Ear Ornament

MOA: University of British Columbia

3254/8

Ear ornament (hakakai or ha'akai). The ornament consists of a large disk worn in front of the ear and a curved spur. The spur has a single hole through it and a toggle end.

  • Narrative

    The collector had sewn six ear ornaments (3254/7-12) onto a card. 3254/7-8 had the following inscription below them: Hakakai, or ear ornaments made of whale's tooth. / These are worn in a hole made through the lobe... from the Marquesas.


  • Type of Item ornament
  • Culture Marquesan
  • Material whale tooth
  • Measurements height 2.8 cm, width 2.2 cm, depth 4.7 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner George Stallworthy, Robert Stallworthy
  • Received from Robert Stallworthy


  • Creation Date before 1841
  • Collection Date between 1834 and 1841
  • Ownership Date before 1859, before June 4, 2017
  • Acquisition Date on June 4, 2017

  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3254/0008