Tahiti, circa 1910
by Lucien Gauthier

Taken by the French photographer Lucien Gauthier, this image provides an expansive view of Lake Vaihiria and the lush cliffs that surround it. Well known for the fresh water eels which reside in its waters, this lake is also known for the legend of the Princess Hina whose parents promised her to the King of Lake Vaihiria, who was an eel. Unhappy with the choice, Hina asked the Polynesian demigod Maui for help and Maui responded by cutting off the eel’s head. Somewhat remorseful, Hina willed the head to change into a coconut tree whose fruit bears eyes and a mouth resembling that of an eel.