Post #772303 by Sunset Mike on Sun, Jan 22, 2017 7:07 PM

“In ancient times, Hawaiians lived under strict laws. Commoners could not get too close to the chief, nor were they allowed to touch any of his possessions, walk in his footsteps or even let their shadows touch the royal grounds. The penalty for violating a sacred kapu (taboo) was death.
Breaking a kapu was believed to incur the wrath of the gods. Hawaiians often chased down an offender and swiftly put him to death unless he could reach a puuhonua, or place of refuge. There he could be absolved by a kahuna (priest) in a purification ceremony, then return home with his transgression forgiven. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle.”

Puuhonua O Honaunau is the most famous and best preserved of Hawaii’s ancient places of refuge. Representations of elaborately head dressed spirits provided sanctuary for the unfortunate offender and the weary warrior. These statues have inspired Tiki works for generations and the inspiration continues in this work which is taken from the protective Puuhonua, angry warrior spirit designed to frighten away the evil spirits. Resembling “Ku” the God of war, and vaguely the “Cannibal Dogmen” (Spirits which were half-man, half dog and ate human flesh), he is the one that was run to in time of trouble. Among the Hawaiians, even the King bowed to the will of such spirits and the image carried about him an aura of Safety from enemies and defender of Peace in the presence of danger.
This work is inspired by the elaborate works gracing the Sanctuary of the ancient people of the Big Island. A Sanctuary to them as were the Churches of Europe across the vast Oceans.

The Work is Hand Carved from a branch of a tree unidentified. Taken from the back of a landscapers truck it escaped the landfill and the fireplace into my hands to become a lovingly carved work of Art finished in Tung Oil and bearing the signature of an Artist who does not believe such things come to his hands by mere accident. It is a beautiful and heavy hardwood that takes detail well and boasts rich amber and honey tones, a minimum of flaws and just enough checking (split) to give it character.
His name shall be given when he is adopted. Until then he is a reminder to his Artist creator that Gold occurs where you least expect it. I hope I can some day discover the variety of tree that provided the wood.until then, I remain grateful to have been given it.
Sunset Mike

[ Edited by: Sunset Mike 2017-01-23 21:23 ]