Hawaiian Man with Alaia Surfboard
source: Wikimedia Commons
author: anonymous
Description
A black and white photograph frames a native Hawaiian man holding a traditional alaia surfboard, staring out over the sea. O’ahu’s Diamond Head hangs prominently in the background.
Date
Photograph: 1890
Information
This anonymous photograph shows a Hawaiian surfer with a traditional alaia surfboard, an ancient board comparable to modern models, though lacking any fin. This photograph is a record of Hawaiian surfing during the suppression of the sport in the 19th century, during which it nearly died out. In the 20th century, the sport experienced a resurgence and spread among Western audiences, revitalizing this traditional Hawaiian sport.
Related Articles
Warshaw, M. (2010). The history of surfing. Chronicle Books.
Finney, B. R., Houston, J. D., & Finney, B. R. (1996). Surfing: a history of the ancient Hawaiian sport. Pomegranate Artbooks.
Handy, E. S. (1965). Ancient Hawaiian civilization: a series of lectures delivered at the Kamehameha schools. Tuttle Publishing.