Rare Hale Nauā Society Lidded Cylindrical Footed Container, Hawaiian Islands

Rare Hale Nauā Society Lidded Cylindrical Footed Container, Hawaiian Islands
Wood (probably kou)
Height 7 3/4in (19.5cm)

Provenance
Abigail Charlotte Baldwin (Alexander) 1833 - 1913 (labels on lid and bowl "ACB Personal")
Thence by descent
Hawai'i Private Collection

Cf. Jenkins, Irving, The Hawaiian Calabash, Editions, Ltd., Honolulu, 1989, p. 133.

Irving Jenkins notes (Ibid. p. 132, caption), "These covered, lathe-turned kou containers once belonged to members of a Hawaiian society, Hale Nauā, founded by King Kalakaua in 1886. With over 75 founding members, primarily from the elite of Honolulu Hawaiian society, membership quickly grew to over 200 by the following year. The semi-secret society remained active until Kalakaua's death in 1891."

Of cylindrical form on footed base, the upper lip with a groove to securely fit the domed lid; rich and shiny dark and honey-brown patina.