This mahiole helmet is an authentic reproduction of a helmet that was traditionally worn by either warriors or chiefs. The crescent shaped helmet base with attached 'mushroom' (Pōheoheo) adornments is woven from ‘ie’ie (Freycinetia Arborea) aerial rootlets that were harvested by Mr Solomon Ku’ulei Apio, a retired naval shipyard mechanic well-known for his practice as a wood and stone carver, and weaver. Solomon Apio weaves with native ‘ieʻie rootlets to make traditional Hawaiian helmets, baskets and fish traps. He also makes Kou wood bowls, traditional Hawaiian war weapons (na mea kaua) and kapa. Solomon Apio has extended his knowledge and skills of crafting to include the use of both traditional and modern tools in his practice and he has been invited to many events, both in Hawai’i and internationally, to share his knowledge. Solomon Apio researched Hawaiian material culture at the Bishop Museum, and is today one of only a handful of indigenous Hawaiian mahiole makers.