SMALL CANVAS: 10”x14”, 10”x20”, 12”x12”. MEDIUM CANVAS: 16”X20”, 20”X30”, 16”X16”

LARGE CANVAS: 24”X36”, 36”X36”, 30”X40”

SMALL CARDSTOCK: 8'“X10”. MEDIUM CARDSTOCK: 11”X14” 12”X12”. LARGE CARDSTOCK: 16”X20”

The Aihamu or Mu were the executioners serving under the Ilamuku. Though they weren't part of the class of Iwikuamo’o, it can almost be certain that they were completely dedicated to the worship of Ku and were most likely under the direction of the Kahuna Mo’o Ku, if not apart of the priesthood itself. His body is adorned with motifs that may unfortunately be lost to us forever. His choice weapons were the “Hoa” and “Ka’ane”. The Hoa, or wielding club, he smashed in countless heads with one blow and maimed as many limbs in the same, swift style. Usually this rough headed club was made from a natural root with the limb enlargement forming a knobby head. The grip was skillfully carved to his personal specifications. Justice was usually served swift and painlessly, with the exception of a few, whose limbs were completely shattered, and while in that condition, still conscious, the victim was brought to the altar for dedication. Why this was done, historians do not mention; we can only speculate based on the traditions and rituals of the time period. Women and children, unlike the Kauwa, or slave class, were never gathered as sacrificial victims, yet if they broke a kapu, they shared the same fate as the rest. We can only assume that death was delivered in proportion to the crime. This was a man, like the rest in the social caste system, whose life was dedicated to his profession. One can only imagine the fear he naturally instilled and what emotions he might have experienced after a life dedicated to this profession.

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Copyright Stephen Koa Kakaio art 2021.