Cannibal fork, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii — Cannibal fork displayed at Honolulu’s Bishop Museum. The extent of cannibalism in Hawaii and Polynesia, in general, is a sketchy subject, greatly exaggerated by sensationalistic European and American writers. Contrary to legend, Captain Cook was not eaten by cannibals — but his body was roasted to facilitate the removal of his bones, which were thought to contain power.

This fork is similar to the Fijian cannibal forks sold to tourists.