Each of the chalices has a wooden pedestal, a copper band, an engraved brass disc and a wooden bowl top. The wooden parts are joined via a mortise and tenon with the copper band hiding the glued joint. The wood finish is wipe-on poly (warm satin) with a final spray coat of satin poly. The exterior has been buffed with carnauba wax as the finish. The interior has an oil-based poly satin spray finish. The engravings are filled with ink and after drying several coats of microcrystalline wax were applied. Any tarnishing of the on a copper metal band can be removed with a jewelry polishing cloth similar to how silverware is maintained. Microcrystalline wax can be reapplied. The wood can be maintained with a food-safe beeswax/mineral oil blend or furniture polish.
The copper bands are 16 gauge and hand engraved with native birds (manu) as well as sayings from ‘O̅LELO NO`EAU, Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings, by Mary Kawena Pukui, Bishop Museum Press, 1983. The sayings that are used in the engravings are native bird related. The brass discs are engraved with ‘io, ʻakoheakohe and ʻiʻiwi.
The native birds of Hawai’i are under attack and this art is an attempt to bring attention to the issue.
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