DESIGNER UNKNOWNHAWAII / EAT YOUR XMAS DINNER IN A BATHING SUIT. Circa 1920s. 28 1/2x21 inches, 72 1/2x53 1/2 cm. Condition B+: offsetting in image; creases and abrasions along vertical and horizontal folds. Mounted on paper. Prior to colonization, traditional Hawaiian culture maintained a strict balance of religion and politics through its Kapu (taboo) system, which dictated social class, gender roles and dietary restrictions that, if broken, had fatal repercussions. The demise of this system, initiated by King Liholiho in 1819 when he broke kapu by allowing men to share a meal with women, transformed Hawaiian society norms and allowed external influences to permeate daily life. This eventually resulted in the flourishing of Hawaiian tourism as the newly relaxed lifestyle of the islands inspired foreigners to visit. This engaging travel poster from the 1920's was displayed on the continental United States, advertising holiday steam ship trips to Hawaii. A known Southern Pacific poster of the same theme suggests that this work might have been made in conjunction with the railroad and steam ship company. The vibrant and alluring cultural scene, combined with a stylized rainbow background, lend the advert an air of exotic escapism. rare. This poster is previously unrecorded at auction.
