Na ‘Aumakua
I painted this show with the intention to share more cultural mo‘olelo (Hawaiian stories) with the Bay Area. Cukui in San Jose has always been a great venue to share the Polynesian culture with the current generation.
In Hawaii, ‘aumakua are considered to be family or personal dieties or gods, worshipped ancestors that take the shape of animals. To name a few, ‘Aumakua could take form as sea turtles, sharks, owls, hawks, birds, or reptiles. One can even consider inanimate objects, such as rocks, trees, or the land, as a whole, as their ‘Aumakua.
A symbiotic relationship exists between an individual and their ‘Aumakua. Respect and protection of them was promoted and mortals did not harm or eat ‘Aumakua. ‘Aumakua in return warned and reprimanded mortals in dreams, visions, and calls. ‘Aumakua provided protection and guided mortals to follow the right paths (pono) in uncertain or dangerous situations and in life.
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An ‘aumakua is a being of both a heavenly and an earthly nature. Some believe that an ‘aumakua is an ancestor that has died and has come back in a different form. They usually communicate with, help, inspire, and guide members of the family. One’s relationship with his or her ‘aumakua began at birth and lasted a lifetime - and beyond.
For serious inquiries on purchase of these pieces, contact: MikeTyau@Gmail.com or the contact page of this website.