Hawai'i

A dazzling celebration of the artistry of Hawaiian makers, this book tells a compelling story of movement, allyship and cultural exchange.

This important new publication shines light on the extraordinary collection of Hawaiian works at the British Museum, which are featured alongside key works from national and international collections, centring narratives developed with Hawaiian knowledge-bearers. At its core is the story of the continued relationship between Hawai'i and Great Britain: it marks over 200 years since the ill-fated visit of King Liholiho and Queen Kamamalu and their delegation to London to seek protection and alliance from the British Crown and subsequent events.

The dazzling artistry of Hawaiian makers and artists is revealed through co-curated stories and a range of ancestral and contemporary works, including striking featherwork such as large 'ahu 'ula (cloaks); ki'i (figures) carved in wood and bringing powerful presences and complex histories to light; and exquisite pahu (drums), the sounds of which accompany dances honouring the gods and chiefs. Contrasting portraits, made at the time of the visit to Britain by the delegation from Hawai'i in 1824, evidence the reception they received, while other more recent artworks highlight collections as continued resources and points of connection for Hawaiian communities today.

This book brings together rich contributions by 27 authors based in Hawai'i, London and beyond. It also features the first comprehensive inventory of over 900 Hawaiian works in the British Museum collection – one of the largest in the world outside of Hawai'i. Building on years of collaboration with Hawaiian artists, practitioners and scholars, this new publication centres on Indigenous knowledge, shining new light on exceptional objects and extraordinary stories.