Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – 2021 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival Auction
Auction Ends: Oct 25, 2021 09:00 PM HST

Art

Pahi Kaua (War Knife) by Kai Kompany

Item Number
597
Estimated Value
500 USD
Sold
315 USD to bye99a0bf
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

Pahi Kaua (war knife) by Kai Kompany: A tool originally used in war, this pahi kaua is 35" in length, carved out of a swordfish bill and lashed with coconut sennit.

Gordon Umialiloalahanauokalakaua Kai ("Umi" to his friends) crafted his first Hawaiian weapon over forty-five years ago. Made from the wood of a mango tree and ringed with shark teeth, his first leiomano or "lei of the shark," is still with him. So too are all his other first attempts. "They remind me of my mistakes, so I won’t make them again," says Umi. Umi's not the only artist in the family, Janice Leinaala Noweo Kai, his wife of 42 years, is a skilled weaver. With over forty-five years of experience learning about and crafting na mea Hawaii, including na mea kaua (things of war), Umi and Janice are part of a small group of Native Hawaiian artists trying to perpetuate the craft of making tools and weapons that were once essential to survival.

Item Special Note

Proceeds from this item will be split between the artist (80%) and PAI Foundation (20%).

Pick up at HFWF office in Honolulu, otherwise shipping charges apply.

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