GALLERY
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Original ink wash drawing by Jacques
Arago entitle Naturel Des Isles Sandwich (Native of the Hawaiian
Islands). This very famous drawing, done in August 1819, shows a multitude
of tattoo motifs including a memorial inscription on his arm relating
to the recent death of Kamehameha I. The crescent fan motif or peahi niu
is seen here on his opposite arm. The breast tattoos are also quite beautiful
and unusual and consist of goats surrounded by a circle and composed of
interspersed triangular motifs and circles with what appear to be dots
inside. His legs show a classic run of triangular design elements running
equally up each side. Honolulu Academy of Arts, Gift of Mrs. Frances
Damon Holt in memory of John Dominis Holt. Collection of Mark and Carolyn
Blackburn.
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