This small Hawaiian umeke ‘ai (food bowl) milo bowl turned from a branch cut from a stately tree that grows in Wailua in Keith Arakaki’s yard is 5” x 2 ¼”. An endemic Hawaiian hardwood, milo is well known and sought after by local wood carvers for its colors, figure and grain variations as exampled in this bowl.

The heart of the master is felt in every stroke onto the wood.

Ray Nitta of Westside Woodworks is a renowned master wood craftsman and artisan residing in Kekaha, Kauai. Ray has been creating his wonderful pieces for over 60 years and has been a board member of Lawai International Center for the past 34 years. He assisted in the creation of the Hall of Compassion every day from the groundwork to completion and his latest LIC project is the creation of a wonderful Bell Tower as an authentic companion to the Hall of Compassion. 

An erstwhile teacher, Ray is still active in enrichment programs at various schools on the west side of the island. He founded Taiko Kauai which has appeared and performed in many local events.  

Donated by Ray Nitta

raynitta@yahoo.com