Eastern Sepik Iwa (Great Frigatebird) Sculpture

Art

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Name/Title

Eastern Sepik Iwa (Great Frigatebird) Sculpture

Entry/Object ID

MK_0290

Description

This carved Iwa bird, depicted here with majestically outstretched wings, once served as a finial atop a house post belonging to the Sawos Tribe in the Eastern Sepik river region of New Guinea. Endemic to the islands of the South Pacific, the Iwa bird's influence extends far and wide, its presence even gracing our shores, here in Hawai'i. As a cherished motif intricately woven into the architectural heritage of the Sawos Tribe, this wooden rendering of the Iwa bird serves as a testament to the enduring connection between artistry, nature, and cultural identity. Guests can also encounter a modern interpretation of the Iwa bird at the Mauna Kea, sculpted by Edward Brownlee and standing proudly outside the Manta restaurant. Together, the two works — one carved by the Sawos people of New Guinea, the other shaped by a modern Hawaiian artist — speak across time and culture. Their shared form invites reflection on the bird’s enduring symbolism of freedom, connection, and the harmony between humanity and the natural world. This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, and was very recently restored. The peice is newly on display again after many years in storage, but guests present at the opening of the hotel in 1965 would have seen this great Iwa on display in the Garden Room.

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Artist

Artist unknown

Place

Region

Eastern Sepik Region

Country

New Guinea

Continent

Oceania

Dimensions

Height

37 in

Width

16 in

Length

16-1/2 in

Main Tower