North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Pre-Contact Period, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. An intriguing representation of an aumakua spirit carved from porous volcanic stone. The form is highly abstract but may represent an owl, the pueo. The pueo is one of the most famous forms that the ancestor spirits assume, here two shallow cavities indicate the bird's wide eyes. Benevolent spirits are known as aumakua and act as protective guardians and deities in Hawaiian spirituality, sometimes these beings represent a sacred ancestor. The aumakua manifests an earthly form that best represent the nature of the god or spirit, this can include sharks, lizards, or even humans. Aumakua have traditionally been worshipped at rocky locales where it is believed they reside. Size: 3" L x 2" W (7.6 cm x 5.1 cm); 4" H (10.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA Collection

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#148580

Natural pitting and cavities to stone. Light scattered mineral deposits. Highly abstract form with signs of weathering.