Tag Archives: Henry Martin Whitney

Kaumualii’s Mahiole, 1873.

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It is the Feather Helmet of Kaumualii!—During the days of this past week, displayed in the window of Whitney’s Bookstore the regalia of the Ancient Kings of Hawaii nei. The Mahiole is Kaumualii’s, the last King of Kauai. Mrs. Whitney [Wini] the elder who just passed was the one who was taking care of the mahiole, and it is one of the things remaining today of the beautiful works of the people of old. We praise the fine upkeep by the beloved missionary mother who passed, for on display, it seemed as if it was made yesterday; the feathers appeared new. On the sides of the mahiole were red feathers taken from the Iiwi polena, and feathers of the maha Oo are on top of the mahiole from this side to that of the crest. This should definitely be kept in the Hawaiian Museum. We believe that it is 60 years old.

[It is interesting to note what is not said in a similar article in English.]

(Au Okoa, 2/27/1873, p. 3)

O ka Mahiole ka o Kaumualii!

Ke Au Okoa, Buke VIII, Helu 46, Aoao 3. Feberuari 27, 1873.

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More on auction of Kauai treasures, 1873.

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A REAL CURIOSITY.—We noticed in the window of Whitney’s Bookstore recently, a real curiosity of the olden time, being the feather helmet (mahi-ole) of Kaumualii, the last King of Kauai. It is a very rare specimen of the ancient handiwork of these Islands, and ought to be purchased by the government, for the museum for the establishment of which the Legislature made a provision last summer.

(Pacific Commercial Advertiser, 2/22/1873, p. 3)

A Real Curiosity.

The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Volume XVII, Number 34, Page 3. February 22, 1873.

Another Nawahi painting! 1877.

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[Found under: “Na Nu Hou Kuloko.”]

The artist Joseph Nawahi was commissioned to accompany the Editor of the Kuokoa to paint the Lava at the seaside of Keei, and to send it to the Bookstore of Whitney.

[With the two paintings mentioned in the previous post, this makes at least three on the subject of lava done by Nawahi in 1877: one in Hilo, one at the volcano, and the last at Keei. None of them are known today! Anyone have any ideas?]

(Kuokoa, 3/10/1877, p. 2)

Ua kauohaia ke kaha kii...

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XVI, Helu 10, Aoao 2. Maraki 10, 1877.

Another Antiques Roadshow find? 1868.

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[Found under: “LOCAL NEWS: Oahu”]

Painting of Lava.—On the morning of this past Wednesday, placed outside the Bookstore of Whitney was a painting of a river of lava flowing and entering the sea of Kahioipakini [ka Hioipakini] in Kau, done by H. M. Whitney and sent here to Honolulu. A copy of that was painted by Joseph Nawahi [Iosepa Nawahi], (Kahooluhi), and it is placed at the entrance of our business office to show to the public. There have been many hundreds of men, women, and children who have come in droves to see it starting on that day. The people were filled with fright and fear at this frightful representation of the deeds of Almighty God. Seen are four volcanic cones ablaze upland of the house of Captain Brown in Kahuku.

(Kuokoa 4/18/1868, p. 3)

Ke kii o ke Ahi Pele.

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke VII, Helu 16, Aoao 3. Aperila 18, 1868.