In June 1952, archaeologist Dr. Kenneth Emory of the Bishop Museum began identifying and cataloging old Hawaiian artifacts held by collectors on Kaua‘i. One of these, a 7-foot 4-inch archer’s bow — the only known Hawaiian bow in existence —
In June 1952, archaeologist Dr. Kenneth Emory of the Bishop Museum began identifying and cataloging old Hawaiian artifacts held by collectors on Kaua‘i. One of these, a 7-foot 4-inch archer’s bow — the only known Hawaiian bow in existence — had been found by Eric Knudsen of Koloa in a cave on Hoea Ridge near Kekaha 30 years earlier, and until Emory correctly identified it, Knudsen had supposed it was a double-ended spear.
Alii practiced the sport of archery with bows, the test of skill being accuracy, not distance. Bowmen would shoot rats to perfect their aim, but warriors never fought with them. Hawaiians battled with spears, and at distance with slings with which they flung small stones.
Emory also noted that Hawaiian arrows and arrowheads were exceedingly rare. The only two arrows known were kept in the British Museum in London, and the one bone arrowhead was at Bishop Museum.
Knudsen’s collection of gods was also examined.
At Hanalei, Emory inspected John Hanohano’s extremely unusual stone statuette of a man supporting a small bowl on his back.
In Waimea, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin’s collection contained poi pounders in various stages of development, from a simple block of stone with a small handhold carved into it, to a finely carved ring pounder made only on Kaua‘i.
The only known hair lei made partly of white hair and a whale’s tooth ornament was shown to Emory by Hector Moir of Koloa.
And a 14-inch by 2-inch stone knife owned by Kapa‘a’s Leslie Miller, and two feather leis once belonging to Princess Likelike in the possession of William Moragne of Grove Farm, were also catalogued. Moragne also pointed out an ancient wooden bowl he’d uncovered under the roots of a hau tree.
