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David Shepard Hawaii

Puhi Purple Tote Bag

Puhi Purple Tote Bag

Regular price $54.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $54.00 USD
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Shipping calculated at checkout. Free Shipping for Hawaiʻi-based orders.

Spacious, lightweight, 100% cotton tote bag with pockets inside and out. Colorful, artistic native Hawaiian plant pattern. Strap is 18 in long, bag is 13 in x 13 in x 6 in. 100% Cotton Jacquard. Machine wash gentle cycle and hang dry. Sewn and designed in Hawaii on imported fabric. Limited quantity. Handmade: exact cut of the print is variable, prints vary from what is seen in the images shown.

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THE STORY BEHIND THE HAND-DRAWN DESIGN

Puhi

“Puhi niho wakawaka.” 

An eel with pointed teeth. A fierce and fearless warrior.

“He puhi ke aloha, he i‘a noho i ke ale.” 

Love is like an eel, the creature that dwells in the sea cavern. Love makes one restless in the mind, like the writhing of an eel.

‘Olelo No‘eau (Hawaiian Proverb), Mary Kawena Pukui

Puhi (eels) are one of the most abundant and diverse coral reef fish. With around 42 indigenous species, the Hawaiian Islands host a quarter of all the puhi species found in the world. They live in holes in the coral reef, coming out to prey on small fish, crabs, and octopus, especially at night.

The Hawaiian language has so many variations of puhi that their importance and distinctions are clearly apparent. They also play a part in many Hawaiian legends. Some puhi are also considered to be ‘aumakua (spiritual guardians). 

– David Shepard