Ukulele

A small soprano ʻukulele with a shallow, waisted soundbox and curved upper and lower bouts. A narrow neck extends from the body, ending in a headstock with four side tuning pegs. Originally fitted with four strings, only one remains.

The soundbox is carved with scenes of Diamond Head, a pier with figures, and a sunrise or sunset featuring a steamboat and waves. It also bears the initials “G.C.S Aug. ’89,” the monogram “C.P.F.” (for donor Clarence P. Franklin), and the “UP” monogram for the University of Pennsylvania.

Inside is a label reading: “Manuel Nunes, Guitar Maker, 46 Hotel Street, Honolulu, H.I.” along with a matching production stamp.

Manuel Nunes was one of the earliest and most influential ʻukulele makers. After emigrating from Portugal to Hawaiʻi in 1879, he adapted the Madeiran machete into the Hawaiian ʻukulele. Beginning as a laborer, he later established a successful instrument workshop that helped popularize the instrument across Hawaiʻi. Through his family and apprentices, including Leonardo Nunes and Samuel Kamaka Sr., his craftsmanship shaped later traditions of ʻukulele making.