An Ancient Image.

On the Inter-Island wharf yesterday morning was standing a crate in shape resembling a coffin. On inquiry it was found to contain “Waianuenue,” an ancient wooden “fish” god. It is a heavy piece of koa or other native hard wood, and stands some six feet high, tapering away at one end, resembling the tail of a fish. In the center of the piece of wood and standing out a foot to eighteen inches in relief is the head, all carved from one solid block.

The ancient “god” was dug up in some marsh land on Kealia plantation by Japanese who were preparing the place for rice. The idol was sold by them to John H. Coney, Deputy Sheriff at Lihue, who in turn parted with it to Hon. G. N. Wilcox. That gentleman brought the relic from Kauai with him yesterday morning on board the Mikahala. It will be placed in the Bishop Museum. S. M. Damon was instrumental in getting the idol for this purpose.

(PCA, 9/7/1896, p. 5)

The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Volume XXIV, Number 4399, Page 5. September 7, 1896.