Hawaiian Goose And Hibiscus - Hawaii

by Don Balke

Title

Hawaiian Goose And Hibiscus - Hawaii

Artist

Don Balke

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

High on the mountain slopes of Hawaii, one may hear the thin "uck-uck" calls of the Hawaiian Goose, the world's rarest goose. Its rarity is due to its curiosity and gentle nature that make it all too easy to kill. Lacking plumes, they were not highly regarded by the Polynesians, for they could contribute nothing to the feather cloaks of the chieftains. Villagers and explorers hunted them for food. This species, also called Nene, dwindled until by the 1940s probably fewer than a dozen wild Nene remained. But state authorities joined forces with a local rancher to breed a successful and substantial flock, thus preserving the species. The beautiful wild Nene or Hawaiian Goose dwells only on the islands of Hawaii and Maui.

The Hibiscus is Hawaii's most outstanding flower. More than 33 varieties have been brought from other countries, and by crossing these with one another and with three native species, more than five thousand horticultural varieties have now been produced. One such native variety, known as the Hawaiian flag, has red petals striped with white. In Hawaii, bouquets are sometimes made by mounting the flowers on midribs of coconut leaflets and on strips of bamboo, or by grouping them in flat decorations on tables. They do not need to be placed in water to last. Hibiscus buds are often picked in the early morning, put in an ice box, and brought out to open in the evening for a special celebration.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1985 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB09676

Uploaded

July 19th, 2022

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