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Feathered god Kukailimoku
Object Number 37-4-70/531
Display Title Feathered god Kukailimoku
Descriptions
Object Description Wicker-work idol, formerly covered with feathers - the favorite war god of Kamehameha, who was for many years King of Hawaii and died in 1819. Image of... Kukailimoku (god who devours the islands[)]... Carried on a standard by his own priest, the god was said to gnash his dog's teeth and roll his pear shell eyes at the scent of battle, while the feathers of his crest rose of their own accord. Excellent state of preservation, being scarcely injured at all. It is about the natural size of the human head. The face and neck are clothed with feathers, mostly red; a row of dogs' teeth stretches almost from ear to ear; and the eyes are mother of pearl.
Inventory Description Sculpture, anthropomorphic head, netting, feathers, hair, shell eyes, animal tee
Classification
  • Sculpture
Department Ethnographic
Culture
  • Hawaiian
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Oceania / United States / Hawaii
Materials Plant fiber , Human hair , Mother of pearl Shell , Feather , Dog tooth Vegetable fiber Bast Cordage , Wood
Dimensions Overall: 38 x 15 x 19.5 cm (14 15/16 x 5 7/8 x 7 11/16 in.)
Quantity 1
Label on object 37-4-70/531
Credit Line Gift of Dr. Alfred M. Tozzer, 1937
Provenance
Owner Andover Theological Seminary
Collector American Missionaries at the Sandwich Islands (Prior to 1833)
Donor Dr. Alfred M. Tozzer (1937)

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