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A lithograph signed and dated 1994. The central focus of `awa usage is the bowl in which the `awa is prepared and from which it is served. Indeed, the `awa bowl in some Polynesian societies is thought to be a mirror representation of the joining together of Heaven and Earth. Throughout Oceania the traditional `awa bowl holds value as a centerpiece of the community. 'Awa for consumption is produced from the root of the 'awa plant, and, used in moderatioon, has much the effect of hasheesh.
From the US Audubon Society website: "'I'iwis have one of the most widespread distributions of all native Hawaiian songbirds, occurring on the islands of Hawai'i, Maui, Moloka'i, O'ahu, and Kaua'i. Because of 'I'iwis' propensity for seasonal movements in search of flowering trees, it is difficult to assess fully population trends for this species. However, it appears that 'I'iwis are experiencing a population decline, except at higher elevation sites."
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