This beautiful small decorative wood bowl was hand-turned out of Ōhiʻa wood on the Big Island of Hawai’i by professional artist and bowl turner Llosh Winne.
As an endemic species, Ōhiʻa wood is only found in the Hawaiian Islands. The most common Hawaiian native tree, these unique trees are found everywhere on our islands. Ōhiʻa is a sturdy wood that was used by ancient Hawaiians to build weapons, everyday tools, boards for pounding poi, enclosures and statues.
THE LEGEND OF THE ŌHI’A TREE AND THE LEHUA BLOSSOM
The legend says that one day Pele, the Volcano goddess, met a handsome warrior named Ōhiʻa and she asked him to marry her. Ōhiʻa, however, had already pledged his love to Lehua. Pele was furious when Ōhiʻa turned down her marriage proposal, so she turned Ōhiʻa into a twisted tree.
Lehua was heartbroken, of course. The gods took pity on Lehua and decided it was an injustice to have Ōhiʻa and Lehua separated. They thus turned Lehua into a flower on the Ōhiʻa tree so that the two lovers would be forever joined together. (LoveBigIsland.com)
Ōhiʻa also has significance as the first tree to grow out of a lava flow, symbolizing the cycle of life and rebirth and growth after destruction.
This bowl is a stunning work of art certain to beautify and bring joy and aloha to any setting.
6 inches width x 5.25 inches tall
