I’sles Sandwich. Armes et objets divers, a l’usage des habitans.

Sandwich Islands. Weapons and various objects used by the inhabitants. Freycinet sighted Hawaii on 5 August 1819 and dropped anchor in Kealakekua Bay three days later. Kamehameha I, the first king of a unified Hawaii had just died and according to Hawaiian custom, his palace was burned to ashes and pigs were slaughtered for the funeral. As a result, Freycinet was initially unable to supply his ships with provisions. During the one month stay, the artists were able to provide a unique record of island life prior to European settlement. These engraved images are amongst the finest prints ever made during the period of the great voyages of exploration.