Maui on my Mind, Part 12
Continuing my tour of the downstairs museum at the Bailey House, I encountered an impressive model of a Polynesian ocean-going double-hulled sailing canoe. Full-sized modern replicas have been built such Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani, which I saw and photographed at its maiden launch in 2014. (If you would like to relive those moments, click here and look for the thumbnails beginning July 21). Not impressed? Consider that the ancient Polynesians were sailing long voyages for thousands of years in the huge open Pacific Ocean, using their knowledge of winds, currents, the stars, fish, and birds to navigate while the supposedly advanced Europeans were sailing by hugging the coastline so they could return to the relative safety of land. I would love to take a voyage on one of these canoes.
The label for this wooden sculpture reads, "Kamapua‘a is a kupuna or supernatural being and is seen as being part man and part pig. As a man, he is tall and handsome with sparkling eyes. As a pig, he can be small or large as a mountain.
He has the ability to change his form into a pig of various sizes, the fish, Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a, as well as a plant form, the grass kukuepua‘a. Kamapua‘a is also a manifestation of the god Lono, god of peace, agriculture and fertility.
The original was found in a well-concealed cliff cave which could only be reached by a hanging rope. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum had a sculptor make two copies of the original, one goes on a traveling display of Hawaiian artifacts and the other one is here, at the Bailey House Museum."
The framed engraving is an image of a warrior of the Sandwich Islands (before the name reverted to the original, "Hawaiian Islands") wearing a gourd helmet.
The second floor features items from the Bailey family including this photo of
Edward Bailey, his wife Caroline and their five children.
Here we can see a bed, a china cabinet, a shipping chest and the back of a chair. Note that this bed probably originally had a mosquito net over the top to prevent nighttime bites.
Incidentally, mosquitoes are not endemic to Hawai‘i but were accidentally introduced in the early 19th century. Most likely, they traveled in water barrels used on sailing ships that visited the islands.
Here, a cradle for the baby of the family. Since the Baileys had five children, it probably served for many years.
In the corner by the window is a marble-top table, pitcher and basin plus several chairs.
This gorgeous chest blew me away. As a former woodworker, I adore the curly koa wood used in its construction.
Next up is a chest with a mirror top. The frame in front of the mirror contains the coat of arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The current seal of the state of Hawai‘i is based on this original design. A personal note, I proudly wear a pendant with the same seal — a little something that most of you don't know about me.
Another koa wood chest. I think I'm in koa wood heaven!
Ah, this looks quite comfortable — a wicker chair with a beautiful round table. It probably served as a desk for Rev. Bailey.
The last area that capped off my visit to the Bailey House is the old organ juxtaposed to the modern LED big-screen television. The TV was sharing a video explaining the history of Hawai‘i from the native Hawaiian perspective. The treatment of indigenous peoples by the United States of America is not a history to be proud of. As a result, there is currently a Hawaiian Kingdom Government whose objective is "to expose the occupation of our nation and ensure compliance to international humanitarian law" which could theoretically lead to a true Hawaiian Government in some form or another. Time will tell.
