"The Happy God"
Hawaiian, 15th century CE 
12 cm ~ volcanic rock, vegetable pigments

 

 A hauntingly familiar depiction of H'uh'nu'a'a'pa'hua'a'pui, the traditional Hawaiian god of happiness and carefree good cheer. The original pigment was apparently a vivid yellow, one of the happiest colors, reinforcing the god's good spirits and benevolence. 

Below it, in the original setting, was a carved plank with the motto: "Have A Nice Day." Copies were thought to be given to visitors to the islands as souvenirs of their visit.

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Acquired through a gift from Eli Lilly, makers of Prozac® "Have a nicer day"™ 

 

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