Artifact Number:
 D.01106

Object:
IMAGE
Kapaaheo - shark god

Material:
 Basalt

Dimensions:
 236 x 66 cm

Origin:
 Hawaii, Hawaiian,

Comments:
 Called "Kapaaheo" according to Heloke Mookini. This ki'i is a dwelling place for the shark god Kapaaheo. Kapaaheo lived off the Kohala coast and appeared as a shark in the ocean or as a mysterious stranger on the beach. As a shark, he threatened those who swam in the area. Kohala fishermen successfully trapped and attacked the shark, later finding the mysterious stranger dying of spear wounds on the shore. At his death , the body of Kapaaheo turned into this large stone that is shaped like a shark. Weighs two tons.



Collection Name: 

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BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP MUSEUM
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu Hawai`i 96817-2704 USA