S e c r e t s
Living in rustic obscurity, master carver David Lawrence had a bit of trouble getting sufficient
reference to make the manatee box figurine. The first version had several errors, the most obvious
of which was a bifurcated fluke (two finned tail), which made it not a manatee, but a dugong.
Fortunately while in Chicago during the 1998 ICE several HK enthusiasts came to David's rescue
and supplied ample missing pieces to the jigsaw. Tribute is paid to them in the enigmatic assorted
treasures on the sea bed interior of the box. The jar marked "Pearl Jam" refers to Mike Perlman
and the key with "JIM" to Jim Keesler. Of course the Florida Keys are included. The plaster on
the tail of one of the manatees is a reference to the dreadful wounds inflicted by the propellers
of sightseers, and the bitten propeller inside a symbol of wished for retaliation (this will never
come, for the manatee is a placid and loving creature). "Chessie"is a manatee who has achieved
fame by swimming up to Chesapeake Bay every summer. "JB Rules" is an accolade to Jimmy Buffett,
president of Save the Manatee and popular singer. On the outside of the box figurine, you will
see a mirror and comb. These are the traditional "attributes" of a mermaid.