What is a Makau?
A brief
history:
The makau (fishhook) is a symbol of strength and prosperity based on the history, legends & stories of the ancient Hawai'ians (kahiko) and many other Polynesian cultures. It was a priceless tool for providing food to sustain the ohana (family). Lacking ore or metals of any kind, the ancient Hawai'ians used coral files and shark tooth implements along with wood and stone tools to create practical, beautiful and sometimes elaborate hooks & lures. They produced hundreds of styles, using human bone, whale bone, shell, wood & more for all different species of fish, fishing techniques, and fishing conditions. The ancient carvers, called "kahuna kalai", were highly revered. There are countless legends and stories about the mana (supernatural or divine power) of fishhooks carved from the bones of great fisherman. Common to most Polynesian cultures is the legend of the demigod Maui, who fished the Hawai'ian islands out of the ocean with a magic hook! Another belief of kahiko Hawai’ians was that fishhooks made from the bones of people without hair on their bodies were more attractive to fish than hooks from normal bones. So these individuals termed olohe, ran the risk of being prematurely "dispatched" to supply the luck-bringing material!
Did people actually fish with hooks like these?
Yes. Although a lot of my designs are highly stylized versions or original one-off creations, many are replica versions from ancient designs as seen in the Bishop Museum, Hawai'ian historical accounts and archaeological references. Some of these styles of makau originated thousands of years ago, but many other cultures have used similar wood and bone fishing implements that date back even further. Within the Polynesian triangle, many cultures produced similar makau that were not only highly functional, but truly beautiful in their form and artistic styling. The trained eye can spot the specific ethnicity by the shape and function of the hooks and many Hawai'ian archaeologists even use fishhooks to date village sites. The evolution in the shape of the hooks gives these scientists a way to estimate the age of many discoveries, with later sites having more elaborate and advanced forms and older ones more crude and primitive shapes.
Most of our carvings are painstakingly lashed using age-old techniques, then securely mounted on an ancient Polynesian style hand-plaited cord called a kaula. This style is not to be confused with a regular braid or Kumihimo style cord as seen on many Maori style hooks & pendants. Our kaula is made from four to six strands of nylon/polyester 3-ply waxed cord which won’t break down from the constant wear, water, detergents, body oils, etc. as most natural fibers will. Although natural fibers such as Olona, Hau fiber, Flax and Niu (coconut) sennet are the traditional ancient materials used for Polynesian style cordage, we mainly use nylon and polyester cord for its long lasting strength & durability. Every kaula is specifically sized for the wearer as "one-size-fits-all" or adjustable cords aren’t a secure mounting method and can lead to lost or damaged pieces.
This particular style cord is now so popular, many of the cheap mass produced knock-off makers coming from China, Indonesia and Philippines are now using the same style cordage on their low quality copies (usually noticeable by the adjustable method used with small cheap bone beads).
What materials are used?
I work with only the finest & rarest materials legally available. To protect endangered species, I only use fossil material that doesn’t violate any regional or international law. Along with various types of fossil bone & ivory, I use many rare and exotic Hawaiian hardwoods like genuine Koa, Ohia, Kamani, Macadamia, Mango, Guava, Kou, Kiawe. I also use various species of pearl shell like Tahitian Black Pearl, Gold Pearl, White Pearl, Red Abalone, Green Abalone, White Abalone and the prized New Zealand Paua.
Occasionally I will carve with customer supplied materials, such as legal warthog ivory, water buffalo bone, shed antler etc but I DO NOT work with any African ivory or bone materials such as hippo, elephant, giraffe, big cats, etc.
Due to my personal beliefs, I WILL NOT work with human bone of any kind (Legal, medical specimen, or otherwise).
How do you make these carvings?
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted using ancient methods along with modern techniques, and every carving is made to museum quality. I use hand tools such such as gravers, high speed rotary handpieces and many other types of carving tools to create my original one-off creations. No laser or computer assisted methods are used and pay special attention to every detail making every carving a unique handmade treasure that will last a lifetime.
What inspired you to create these carvings?
I struggled and worked as an artist for many years doing graphic design, sculpture, owning and operating a small design company/art gallery and also working as a musician part time (not always successfully). It wasnt until a family get together in Hawai'i around ten years ago, that I finally discovered my true passion and talent as an artist. One day I happened upon a beautiful carving by a local Oahu artist and was immediately inspired. I was blessed to be born of gifted parents who both nurtured my artistic talents from a young age and Ive always had a knack for sculpture and 3-dimensional art. And the method of subtractive sculpture is something thats always appealed to me as an artist. Growing up as one of many grandchildren from a Lana'i pineapple farming family, the love for Hawai'ian and Polynesian culture was instilled in me at a young age and is something very close to my heart.
I design and carve each piece with a deep respect for the ancient traditions, borrowing the wisdom and style of the ancient masters while striving to create unique and original works of art. My belief, along with many others carvers and subtractive sculptors is that the act of reduction on a solid mass breathes new life into the materials. Fossil bones and ivories along with rare beautiful woods are resurrected giving life to what was once itself, a living work of art.
Do you make any other types of carvings?
Yes. I work mainly with Hawai'ian and Polynesian designs, but Im not limited in what I can create and have carved many other types of forms not just the Oceanic. Feel free to take a look at the custom works gallery and youll see examples on non-Polynesian style pieces Ive created from Jet planes to various animal forms. If you have a particular carving in mind and cant find and artist to create it for you I may be able to help. Feel free to visit my commissions and contact page for more information.
I have a carving thats needs re-lashing or repair, can you help?
Yes. I can re-lash and repair most makau and carvings. I also offer lashing and mounting services for all kinds of jewelry depending on style and method desired. Please email for more information and photos are usually required for answers on repair questions.
Do you accept returns?
Yes. If for any reason youre unhappy with your carving, you may return it at any time for a full refund. Due to the materials and nature of the work, Items must be returned unworn and in their original condition in order to be accepted. Replacements and upgrades are available under certain circumstances so please email with any inquiries.
Do you make yourself accessible to your collectors?
Yes. Im available for questions, comments etc and I can reached anytime via email, text or phone. Please see the Commissions and artist contact page for more information.
Where can I learn how to carve?
In todays day and age, there are countless resources online and elsewhere, where you can learn
the skills and techniques of ancient style bone carving. There are also numerous carving clubs, groups and consortiums all across the world where you can learn tricks and tips from master carvers such as myself and others. Check out these links for more info:
The home for Tiki collectors and creators, Polynesian pop enthusiasts and lovers of the lowbrow art movement.
An online database for everything Polynesian and Tiki culture related.
A private, members only forum where you can view and discuss the art of subtractive sculpture.
The Hawai'i state museum of cultural and natural history with an online database of ancient Polynesian fishhooks, carvings and more...
Links:
For more examples of Polynesian style bone carving, other great works of art and various organizations close to my heart please visit and support these fellow sites:
Friend and fellow carver specializing in Polynesian and Local native American styles.
Toa Carving etsy store
Friend and fellow carver From New Zealand specializing in original and unique maori style designs.
Mentor, supporter, friend and one of the world's greatest and experienced master carvers working today. He specializes in Polynesian style carving along with many other various forms.
Beautiful Hawai'ian images of friend, supporter and fellow artist Peter Richards
Friends, supporters from Florida and makers of fine surfwear and gear. "Embrace LIFE with passion, breathe and simply let yourself FlowLuckyFree..."
Samoan and Polynesian inspired designs bringing the tradition, culture and heritage of Polynesian style tattooing to the apparel of today.
Help fight the battles that face our oceans, waves and beaches.
The mind numbingly amazing Artwork of friend and fellow artist T. Parr
Beautiful and colorful Fine art and abstract works by friend and fellow artist from Poland
Cool, fun, hip and eclectic artwork from friend and fellow artist in Laguna beach, CA
Friend, supporter and Hawai'is best place for beads, jewelry supplies and more.
Offering a comprehensive selection of legal raw new and fossil ivory and scrimshaw for collectors and craftspeople. Mammoth, elephant, hippo, walrus and wart hog ivory, carvings, genuine scrimshaw, scrimshaw supplies, scrimshaw reproductions, netsuke, inro, Eskimo artifacts, ivory and bonded ivory grips, skulls, bones, horns, pearl shell, old trade beads, a huge book selection, curios and weird stuff.