Na'au Kanaka translates to mean the Hawaiian within himself. Every person has something within that connects them to their past. This realization helps us to remember the sacred mysteries of creation and life itself. The images in this piece reflect many Hawaiian mythological stories that are an important key to their culture. It should be closely studied because you will see more and more inside it each time. In the center is a child inside a taro corm. The corm or bulb of taro was used to make poi, a highly revered and staple food. The child represents Haloa, the first born child of the creation God, Wakea. He was still-born and placed into the earth. From him sprouted the taro plant. Below the child are the creators Papa and Wakea. The precious waters (wai) needed to grow the taro fields (lo'i) are shown as blue swirls. On each side of Haloa are the skulls of the ancestors. The bones and skulls were considered to be very sacred and were always protected by the generations that followed. To the far left side is Pele, the volcano Goddess. The red Ohia Lehua flower crowns her leafy face as her branch arm reaches out to connect to the ancestors. Many other legends of the gods are represented in this art, such as the demi-God, Kama pua'a, ( eight-eyed boar) on the bottom right. The suns in each corner represent the four directions of the world.The animal spirits known as 'aumakua are the pueo (owl) at the bottom and the i'o (hawk) at the top which merges with the face of a woman. The mo'o (lizard) is camouflaged on the right while the 'Auku'u (black heron) is below it. The plants that were most integral in Hawaiian life encircle from the top left corner: kukui nut, maile leaf, ti leaf, banana leaf, 'ulu (breadfruit) and the kalo (taro) in the center. All throughout the picture are menehune. These are the legendary small people that assisted in building Hawaiian temples, fishponds and villages when the earliest Polynesians began to settle the islands from all parts of the Pacific Ocean. This piece beckons you to look to yourself... to recognize, experience and receive revelation from God and all the wonderous nature spirits and you will discover great knowledge. Now you are just beginning to feel and see and experience Na'au Kanaka. Continued reflection will reveal more of the nature of the "Hawaiian within".
Na'au
Kanaka was selected for ART MAUI 2001. This is a prestigious art exhibition
held once a year at the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts
and Cultural Center. In 2001, over 800 pieces were submitted by Maui's
most talented artists. A New York art critic chose only 170 for exhibition.
Na'au Kanaka has truly been Kekona's most well received and purchased
art piece to date.
11
x 14 print $30.00 |
16
x 20 print $45.00 |
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high-lighted words above for close up |
Island
Time . P.O. Box 1281 .
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