Black Pipi Uri Uri Shell Necklace | Rapa Nui Cultural Jewellery
This opera length collar pipi uri uri shell necklace is hand strung by Rapa Nui artist Nui Riroko Teao, continuing a lineage of traditional artists and carvers renowned for their cultural craftsmanship, including the iconic moai kavakava figures.
Made using black pipi uri uri shells, this necklace carries deep cultural meaning. In Rapa Nui traditions, these shells are worn as symbols of protection and status. Each shell represents one of the four cardinal directions and elemental powers, creating a piece that embodies balance, strength, and connection to the natural world.
The opera length design typically falls between 70–90 cm, offering versatility in styling. It can be worn as a single long strand for an elegant, elongated silhouette, doubled for a layered collar effect, or styled with other necklaces to create a contemporary, layered look. Suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear, it transitions easily across settings.
Nui Riroko Teao is deeply committed to cultural preservation, sustaining his community through both artistic practice and work in fishery and agriculture. His work reflects a balance of traditional knowledge and contemporary expression, with each necklace carefully hand assembled.
Features
- Opera length necklace (approx. 70–90 cm)
- Hand strung pipi uri uri black shells
- Made by Rapa Nui artist Nui Riroko Teao
- Symbolises protection, status, and elemental balance
- Versatile styling: wear long, doubled, or layered
- Natural shell variation makes this a unique and meaningful piece
- Wear long for a clean, elegant statement
- Double for a fuller, layered collar effect
- Pair with shorter necklaces for a contemporary layered look
- Suitable for formal occasions and everyday wear
Styling Notes
Dimensions: 50cm drop, 98 cm strung length
Weight: 200g
Delivery costs are calculated at checkout and include the total weight of items within an order.
Orders are posted Mon - Weds. Standard post to Australian addresses will arrive within 5 - 7 working days from dispatch date.
For international delivery, please allow an additional 14 days
We hope you are happy with your purchase(s). But if not, we will exchange or issue a refund provided that the goods are returned in saleable condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
An opera length necklace typically measures between 70–90 cm, designed to be worn long or doubled for versatile styling.
What do pipi uri uri shells represent?
They symbolise protection, status, and connection to the four cardinal directions and elemental powers in Rapa Nui culture.
Who is Nui Riroko Teao?
He is a Rapa Nui artist from a family of traditional carvers, known for preserving cultural practices while supporting his community through art, fishery, and agriculture.
Can this necklace be layered?
Yes, its length makes it ideal for layering with shorter necklaces or doubling for a more structured look.
Is each necklace identical?
No, natural variations in shell size, tone, and texture ensure each piece is unique.
