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Pūloʻuloʻu

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Metal representation of pūloʻuloʻu outside the Kalakaua Crypt at the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii at Mauna ʻAla
Metal representation of pūloʻuloʻu made with a narwhal tusk at ʻIolani Palace

Pūloʻuloʻu are symbols denoting the kapu of Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefs or royals) and symbolizing the deceased ancestors of the aliʻi. They are traditional symbols of authority which are used in modern times including the Seal of the State of Hawaii.

History

Pūloʻuloʻu are often called "kapu sticks".[1] It was made by wrapping bundles of kapa cloth on a stick. They were given ancestral names and place in areas of prominence. They represented the ancestors of an aliʻi who had died and return from Po (heaven). The round shape denoted the shape of stars as seen from the traditional Hawaiian perspective. They often contain the relics of deceased ancestors such as bones, teeth, hair and other important remains.[2] Their use as symbols of the kapu was introduced by Paʻao, a high priest (kahuna nui) from Kahiki.[3]

The pūloʻuloʻu were often placed at the residence of the aliʻi, at a heiau (temple) and at the burial sites of the aliʻi.[4][5] They are displayed at the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii at Mauna ʻAla.[6]

The coat of arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the seal of the State of Hawaii features the pūloʻuloʻu as a symbol of authority.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Kamehiro, Stacy L. (2009). The Arts of Kingship: Hawaiian Art and National Culture of the Kalākaua Era. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. p. 262. ISBN 978-0-8248-3263-6. OCLC 663885792.
  2. ^ Pacific Worlds (2003). "Pūloʻuloʻu". Pacific Worlds. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
  3. ^ Gross, Jeffrey L. (2017). Waipiʻo Valley: A Polynesian Journey from Eden to Eden. Indiana: Xlibris US. p. 426. ISBN 978-1-5245-3905-4. OCLC 1124453477.
  4. ^ Kanahele, George S. (1999). Emma: Hawaii's Remarkable Queen. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. p. 4. ISBN 978-0-8248-2240-8. OCLC 40890919.
  5. ^ Kalākaua, David (1888). Daggett, Rollin Mallory (ed.). The Legends and Myths of Hawaii: The Fables and Folk-lore of a Strange People. New York: C.L. Webster & Company. pp. 32–33. OCLC 1036300398.
  6. ^ Pacific Worlds (2003). "Mauna ʻAla". Pacific Worlds. Retrieved March 27, 2020. {{cite web}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  7. ^ Bose, Purnima; Lyons, Laura E. (2010). Cultural Critique and the Global Corporation. Bloomington; Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 99. ISBN 0-253-30029-0. OCLC 1131657944.

Media related to Pūloʻuloʻu at Wikimedia Commons

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