Crate Label, "Hula Brand Apples," circa 1950

Colorful, eye-catching labels from the early and mid-1900s frequently depicted popular themes and motifs--and sometimes cultural stereotypes. Illustrations of native Hawaiians often centered on women in grass skirts--a poor reference to the hula. Rather than showing the true depth of this native Hawaiian art form, tradition, and dance, these images exposed an idealized and sensual view of Pacific Islanders by white, mainland American consumers.