A Gift from the King.

The alii, the King, sent a number of beautiful pictures [kii] and old godly images [akua kii] of Hawaii to the hands of Mr. F. L. Clarke² in San Francisco, a gift from Him to the National Academy of Sciences [? ke kula ao Akeakamai o ia Repubalika]. There were a great many images sent which are well attested to as seen in the old accounts written by the great explorer Captain Cook and the faint recollections of those who have slight knowledge of that era.

The gift of the King was greatly appreciated and it was accepted with much thanks. When Queen Kapiolani arrived in San Francisco, she met with Mr. F. L. Clarke, the representative sent for this gift. There were two hundred or more images, from images that were printed on paper, to wooden idols. It’s been heard that they will go all the way to the city of Paris for the great exposition to be held next year.³

¹”Kii” refers to any image or representation of something, whether it be printed on paper, painted on canvas, carved out of wood, or cast in metal.

²See Clarke’s short history of Hawaii, “Hawaii’s Real Story,” which appeared in The Forum, July 1900, pp. 555–565.

³Exposition Universelle, 1889. See “Catalogue of the Hawaiian Exhibits at the Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1889.” by John A. Hassinger, Department of the Interior.

[Does anyone know of what happens to all of this?]

(Kuokoa, 5/14/1887, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XXVI, Helu 20, Aoao 2. Mei 14, 1887.