Kupee Shell Bracelet 8” Handmade 22 Shells Merrie Monarch Jewelry

Description

A handmade Kūpe’e shell bracelet (or anklet for Wahines due to the size.) It is made from 22 medium mostly rare gold speckled Kūpe’e. It is tied with a cord for closure.
Kupe’e are known for their clacking sound when dancing rhe hula, especially in competitions such as the Merrie Monarch festival.
Kūpe’e are eaten, prized for lei, used as an emblem of mourning, used by hālau to hide (pe’e) knowledge or not used by other hālau so knowledge will not be hidden (pe’e) from them.
Kūpe’e live under sand around boulders. At night, it climbs on boulders to feed on limu. Kūpe’e are harvested at night when they are feeding, preferably when there is little or no moon. They can “hear” noise and will fall off rocks to hide if disturbed by loud noises or talking.