The anklet was strung for use in a hula ceremony.  The perforations have been created through the root of each tooth by carefully drilling approximately half-way through from either side, minimizing the risk of damage resulting in an hourglass-shaped perforation.  The Hawiians held a philosophy of supernatural power existing in objects that extended to the spirits of ancestors, who once passed, could transcend earthly  existence and through their association with special personal possessions were able to guide, protect, and help family members through the item, which was often passed through generations, it's power or "mana" increasing with age.

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Dogs were especially important to the early Hawaiians as a source of meat, the native species known as "poi dog," now extinct, was believed to have been introduced by ancient Polynesian settlers who, in addition to consuming their flesh, would reportedly raise a puppy along with a baby, creating a close bond between the child and dog who acted as a protector.  If a child died, the dog would be killed and buried alongside; however, if a child outlived the dog they would take and wear its teeth as a charm, the dog's faithful spirit enduring through it, continuing to protect.  

Captain James Cook was the first European to encounter Hawaii.  Through words, engravings, and published journals Cook and others depicted the sights and events he and other explorers encountered in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  Cook's voyages were made for science, not conquest.  He and the naturalists on board his ships made tremendous contributions to Europeans' knowledge of geography, anthropology, and natural history.  Sailing north from the island of Tahiti into uncharted seas, Cook sighted O'ahu, the first of the Hawaiian islands, on January 18, 1778.  After a brief stay at Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, they headed toward the northwest coast of America for further discoveries.  

Returning in November to winter, Cook anchored on the West side of Hawaii on January 18, 1778, after seven frustrating weeks seeking safe harbor.  His ships generously provisioned and the men rested, Cook sailed away three weeks later, only to be driven back for repairs after a heavy gale.  The wearied hosts, nearly exhausted of food as well as patience, found it increasingly difficult to avoid provocations with the English.  When the Discovery's cutter was stolen during the night of February 13, and exasperated Cook went ashore next morning to take as hostage high chief Kalani'opu'u, ruler of the island.  A skirmish erupted and Cook was killed.    

The only known paintings made during the life of Kamehameha I were made on November 24, 1815 by Louis Choris, a draftsman on the Russian von Kotzebue expedition.  The king first sat in native dress, then to Choris' suprise appeared in European clothing.  Choris made an unknown number of watercolor sketches differing slightly in detail, from which at least 6 versions i oil were copied later by unknown artists.  The rendering of Kamehameha in a red vest seems to have been his favorite, as it became a symbol of his kingly office.  

King Kamehameha was the first ruler over all the Hawaiian islands, as he conquered them all and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810.  Kamehameha had many wives, historians list from 20-30, and many children.  It was his children through his highest ranking wife, Keopulani, that would suceed him to the thrown.  When Kamehameha died in 1819, he was suceeded by his son Liholiho, who took the name Kamehameha II.  The young king was persuaded by his mother to break the ancient Hawaiian code of conduct (kapu) that barred men and women from eating together.  This act destroyed the kapu system and formally abolilshed the Hawaiian religion. 

High Chief Boki, Governor of O'ahu, and his Liliha were among the royal suite that accompanied King Kamamalu to London in 1823-1824, where the handsome couple posed for one of the most important portrait painters of the day.  Boki is wearing a feather helmet and cloak, while Liliha wears a feathered head lei and necklace of braided human hair with ivory pendant.  Her skirt of intricately printed bark cloth is a reminder that women traditionally were not permitted to wear feather-work other than the head or neck lei.  During the stay in London, the King and Queen succumbed to measles.  Bohki and Liliha returned to Hawaii, and brought the remains of their King and Queen with them.  

Michael Cassidy is a commercial artist from Hawaii.  The artist uses broad strokes and bold colors to interpret a series of famous photographs take of the legendary surfer and lifegurd Eddie Aikau (1946-1978).  The poster was commissioned by Quicksilver, a surfboard and apparel company, which sponsors the renowned Big Wave Invitational surfing contest every December in Waimea Bay, Oahu.  To run the Eddie, the event requires a consistent minimum wave face of 40 feet for 8 hours straight.

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Eddie is pictured with his iconic red surfboard and white shorts.  Born and raised in Hawaii, Eddie drew up surfing with his brothers and became a famous surfer of big waves, winning many contests.  In 1968, he became the first lifeguard to work the North Shore, notorious for big surf.  Not one life was lost while he served as lifeguard at Waimea Bay.  He made many daring rescues, leading to the saying, "Eddie would go," referring to his courage in successfully attempting rescues in near-impossible big surf.