Important and Rare Walking Stick from a Section of Kamehameha I's Kauila Wood Spear, Hawaiian Is...

Important and Rare Walking Stick from a Section of Kamehameha I's Kauila Wood Spear, Hawaiian Islands Walking Stick: kauila wood Top Cap: 900 fine silver and hand enamel Bottom Cap: nickel silver Length 36 1/2in (92.8cm) Provenance King Kamehameha I, Hawaii Thence by descent Commissioned by Maui High School, Hamakuapoko, Maui and presented to Dr. Jesse H. Coursault, Territorial Normal School, Honolulu, Hawaii, July 25, 1925 Thence by descent Acquired from the above by the present owner Mounted on the top and bottom with silver and nickel silver caps respectively, the top enameled with the Royal Coat of Arms of Hawaii and inscribed 'To Dr. J.H. Coursault, from his students, Normal School Honolulu, Summer 1925.' Kamehameha I (1796(?)-1819) was conqueror and the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. By April 1810, through a series of battles and negotiations, he had unified the legal system and collected taxes to promote trade with Europe and the United States. The Great Kamehameha was a powerful warrior and is believed to have been one of the greatest Hawaiian spearsman. It is very likely that he would have used a spear during the famous battle at the high precipice at Nuuanu Pali, driving the Oahu warriors to their death, gaining control over the island. Dr. Jesse H. Coursault (1871-1937) was a graduate of Ohio State, Harvard and Columbia Universities. Coursault was Dean of the School of Education at the University of Missouri, and served for thirty-two years as a member of the education faculty. In the summer of 1925, Coursault delivered a special course of lectures at the Territorial Normal School, a teacher's college in Honolulu, and observed educational conditions during visits to other islands. 'Hawaii has given me rich experiences, which will become more my own when I, in turn, try to give them to others on the mainland. I know now what the fine spirit of Hawaiian hospitality means; I have had new lessons in tolerance, in respect for personalities of others, whatever their ancestry may have been; national cultures which I had known only through books, I have found and appreciated alive in human beings who have confronted life in ways different from those to which I have been accustomed.' (Dr. Jesse H. Coursault, Honolulu Star-Advisor, 13 August 1925) Presentation letter from Maui High School dated July 25, 1925 accompanies the work. PRESENTATION TO DR. COURSAULT The Hawaiian is not a promiscuous giver. He gives only when his heart prompts him but when he gives that which he holds dear. The committee in charge of the exercises for this last meeting of the class were thinking of securing some memento that they could send back across the water their thoughts turned to the beautiful koa wood which is found everywhere in the islands and which is known so well by tourists. But in the present case, one Hawaiian member of the committee suggested that there was something better than koa. He suggested the kawila (kauila) wood and through his efforts we were able to secure a piece of this rare wood and this particular piece is rich in local associations. In older times the kawila (kauila) wood was used by kahuanas. It was potent in weaving spells. In olden times it was associated with royalty. The kings used it in all cases where the most dependable wood was necessary. And the kawila (kauila) tree has been true to its royal associations and when kings of Hawaii no longer wielded the sceptre over these domains the faithful kawila (kauila) tree ceased to grow on these islands and is now practically extinct. But this particular stick has a stronger and more definite local association. It is a section of a spear that was once the property of the Great Kamehameha and has been handed down among his followers from generation to generation until at last it has fallen into our hands. We had it repolished and mounted with an appropriate inscription. Little stick you have been the attendant and protector of kings. Through you, mayhap, the life of Kamehameha has been saved. What a story you could tell if you would only speak! You have had enough experience so that you should be satisfied but you are going to be promoted. Dr. Coursault, with the spirit of the Hawaiian which gives only when the heart prompts, these people before you ask you to take this stick with you back to Missouri and give it a college education. Territorial Normal School Honolulu, T.H. July 25, 1925 For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing