Glossary
Ancestral Veneration
A core theme in Polynesian art and culture, involving the honoring and respect of deceased ancestors, who are believed to possess spiritual power and influence. Artworks often serve as conduits or representations of these revered figures.
Example:
Many Polynesian sculptures, though abstract, are understood to embody the spirit of a specific ancestor, facilitating Ancestral Veneration and connection to the past.
Natural Materials
A characteristic of Polynesian art, emphasizing the use of readily available resources from the environment, such as feathers, wood, bark, and shells. Artists skillfully transform these raw materials into sophisticated and meaningful objects.
Example:
The intricate weaving of a traditional fishing net, crafted from plant fibers, showcases the ingenious use of Natural Materials by island communities.
Ritual and Ceremony
The contexts in which many Polynesian artworks are created and utilized, often involving sacred practices, performances, and rites of passage. These objects are not merely decorative but active participants in spiritual and social events.
Example:
During a significant harvest festival, specific masks and costumes would be worn as part of the Ritual and Ceremony to ensure continued abundance.
Status and Power
A recurring theme in Polynesian art, where objects are created to visually communicate social hierarchies, leadership roles, and the authority of individuals or groups. The materials, craftsmanship, and context of use often denote the wearer's or owner's standing.
Example:
The elaborate carvings on a chief's ceremonial staff clearly communicated his Status and Power within the community, even without words.
ahu 'ula
A Hawaiian feather cape or cloak, meticulously crafted from thousands of tiny feathers, primarily worn by ali’i (royalty). These garments were potent symbols of the wearer's mana, power, and prestige.
Example:
The vibrant red and yellow feathers of the ahu 'ula worn by King Kamehameha I would have shimmered powerfully during important ceremonies, signifying his divine authority.
akua
The Hawaiian term for deities or gods, encompassing a wide range of spiritual beings, including prominent female goddesses. These figures often embody aspects of nature or human experience and are central to Hawaiian mythology and religious practices.
Example:
Hawaiian chants often invoke the name of Pele, the fiery akua of volcanoes, seeking her favor or acknowledging her destructive and creative power.
ali’i
The term for Hawaiian royalty or high-ranking chiefs, who held significant political, social, and spiritual authority. They were often distinguished by elaborate regalia and sacred objects.
Example:
Only the ali’i were permitted to wear the most vibrant feather capes, signifying their elevated status and connection to the divine.
hiapo
A type of tapa cloth, traditionally made from the beaten bark of the wauke tree, serving as a versatile material for clothing, ceremonial objects, and artistic expression. It is often adorned with intricate geometric patterns and natural motifs.
Example:
A newly created hiapo might be used to wrap sacred objects during a ritual, its unique patterns telling a story or invoking protection.
mamo
A species of Hawaiian honeycreeper bird, highly prized for its rare and vibrant yellow feathers. These feathers were meticulously collected and used to create the most prestigious ahu 'ula (feather capes).
Example:
The collection of feathers from the mamo bird was a sacred and labor-intensive task, reflecting the immense value placed on the resulting royal garments.
mana
A fundamental concept in Polynesian cultures referring to a spiritual life force or power that can reside in people, objects, and places. It is often associated with authority, prestige, and sacredness.
Example:
A skilled carver was believed to imbue a newly finished sculpture with their own mana, making the artwork itself a powerful and revered object.
wauke
The Hawaiian name for the paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera), whose inner bark is the primary material used to create hiapo (tapa cloth). The bark is processed through beating and pounding to form thin, durable sheets.
Example:
After harvesting, the bark of the wauke tree would be carefully prepared and soaked before being beaten into the soft, pliable sheets of tapa.