“AUMAKUA”

Artist: James Havens

Oil on Canvas  4ft X 4ft  

circa July 20, 2006

Anchorage, Alaska 

The Ancient Hawaiians believed the Shark-aumakua appeared in dreams to give guidance or spiritual strength in times of trouble, warning when danger threatens. It is believed that family members always recognize an ancestral  aumakua spirit. Those fortunate enough to have a shark aumakua depend on the guardian animal for assistance in fishing, protection from dangers posed by other lesser sharks, rescue from drowning and safety from sorcery. There are many Hawaiian mariners who credit the shark aumakua for guiding them home when lost at sea It is said by removing barnacles from a shark’s skin or sharing a catch, you will have nothing to fear from the shark aumakua.

THE OLO BOARD - The largest of the Hawaiian wood surfboards, reserved for royalty was the 'olo' board. These were the giants of the day at 18' and believed to have reached lengths of 25 feet. The first recorded accounts of surfing came from the journals of Captain James Cook in 1776 and it was noted in the early experts journals that the Hawaiian surfboards and surfers were superior to all others.

NIHO-MANO TATTOO - The niho mano is a pattern of triangles used in traditional Hawaiian tattooing. Sometimes arranged in a row, in opposing rows, or stacked in a pyramid, the niho mano is very likely a representation of shark teeth. In Hawaii, the art of tattoo was called kaka u i ka uh i, or to "strike on the black." As in other parts of Polynesia, tattooed designs enveloped the body with genealogical and spiritual power, and transformed living bodies into dwelling places for the gods and protective ancestors called 'aumakua.

75  limited edition museum quality “Artist Hand Embellished” canvas prints / size: 6ft across (Special-order only) / investment level: $2,750.

100  canvas prints / size: 4ft across / (Special-order only) / investment level: $1,750.