Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Hawaiian Calabash Bowl
Artifact IDMO 1941.8.13
Object Type
Bowl, Serving
Maker
Unknown
Dateca. 1934
Mediumwood (Kou), metal
Dimensionsoverall H 6 7/8 in x Diam 13 1/4 in (17.5 cm x 33.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Hawaiian calabash bowl, handmade from Kou (or Ko'u) wood. A metal plaque attached to the exterior of the bowl has an engraved inscription that reads: PRESENTED / TO / President Franklin D. Roosevelt / BY / HAWAII STATE CHAPTER / DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION / HONOLULU / TERRITORY OF HAWAII / 1934.
Prior to its presentation to FDR, cracks in the bowl had been mended using a traditional method of butterfly-shaped pegs inserted into the wood. The repairs are clearly visible on the underside of the bowl. Also on the underside is an adhesive sticker with a typed number: D-22-8.
Historical NoteThis bowl is originally from Keauhou, a village on the west side of the island of Hawaii. Keauhou Bay is the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. The bowl came from the collection of Dr. William Drake Westervelt of Honolulu, Hawaii and was presented to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934 by the Hawaii State Chapter (Honolulu) of the Daughters of the American Revolution on the occasion of his visit to the Hawaiian Islands. FDR was the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Territory of Hawaii.Prior to its presentation to FDR, cracks in the bowl had been mended using a traditional method of butterfly-shaped pegs inserted into the wood. The repairs are clearly visible on the underside of the bowl. Also on the underside is an adhesive sticker with a typed number: D-22-8.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 20, 1940. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view