What were all those beads for?

Some of you know that we had been asked to find and send hundreds of packages of beads in many colors to Guam during our last few weeks in the US. At first we didn't know what they were for. Then we learned that they were to be used for a celebration in Chuuk later this summer. Finally we saw a few of the finished products and want you to see too.

(Anne & Evelyn with just a few of the bead leis)

These are bead leis created by Puluwat Islanders. Originally these were made from colorful shells and the patterns are clan related. The same patterns are used in these bead leis and others are new designs based on old themes. Evelyn and her relatives are making lots and lots of these for a celebration in honor of a relative. The beads are strung on curling ribbon we use for presents without a needle and there may be as many as 21 strands of ribbon used in one of the more elaborate leis. Thank you to those who helped look for lime green pony beads at Walmarts across the country.