A Precious Memorial
Cover Image: Masthead of Ka Nupepa Puka La Kuokoa me Ko Hawaii Paeaina i Huiia published on April 11, 1893.
Aloha Nūhou Monday!
Dear Reader,
We are in the final stages of indexing all nūpepa titles held at the Hawaiian Historical Society! This week, we’re excited to share a story featured in Nupepa Puka La Kuokoa me Ko Hawaii Paeaina i Huiia that explores the provenance of David Malo’s map of the world and its journey to Hawaiʻi. This hand-drawn map has been in the collection of the Hawaiian Historical Society since 1896.
Image: From left to right: Hilinaʻi Sai-Dudoit, Kilinoe Kimura, Hoakalei Watanabe, and Kailana Keen viewing David Malo’s map of the world at the Hawaiian Historical Society.
Image: “He Mea Hoomanao Waiwai Nui” Ka Nupepa Puka La Kuokoa me Ko Hawaii Paeaina i Huiia, April 11, 1893, p. 2.
A Precious Memorial
Mr. W. R. Castle brought back a gift from a certain gentleman of New York to the Hawaiian Historical Society here in Honolulu. The gift is a map that David Malo, the Hawaiian Historian drew in 1830, and it was cared for by this gentleman. Drawn on the back of the map in English is as follows:
Judge Momi Springfield from William Richards.
This map was drawn by a Native Hawaiian of the Hawaiian Islands whose name was David Malo. He had knowledge of map drawing. It was just a year before that he had begun to learn, and this was one of his first projects he drew.
On the front of the map these words are beautifully printed:
Aferika, Europa, Asia, Amerika, Atelanika, Iniana, Pakipika.
This map was sent under the care of Mr. W. R. Castle by Mr. Vernon L. Tenney. There are perhaps one or two tears, but the rest remains fine due to how well it was taken care of.
This post is part of He Aupuni Palapala: Preserving and Digitizing the Hawaiian Language Newspapers, a partnership between Bishop Museum and Awaiaulu with assistance from Kamehameha Schools. Mahalo nui loa to Hawaii Tourism Authority for their support. Learn more about this project here.
