Story of O'O
BY: TY HEEN, Allen Matsumoto, KanoeLehua Ratledge
Po'alua
On tuesday the high schoolers went on a huaka'i to Papa Hana Kuaola where they had the chance to experience how our kupuna made and used an o'o. They engaged in hands on activities where they learned how to make an o'o. When we went into the forest to cut down our o'o we had to ask for permission, then soon after we looked for waiwi (strawberry guava tree). Uncle also told us to look for the waiwi that spoke to us. An interesting fact about waiwi is how it's an invasive plant, but we can use it to forge the land unlike other invasive plants.
KANE/KANALOA
Kane is the god of fresh water, also when we were visiting Papahana Kuaola we seen a fresh water stream.
Kane exists in shallow water and light. Kanaloa is the god of deep ocean, long distance voyaging, and healing. Kanaloa is also the god of kalo and 'awa.
KANE and O'O
This is a picture of kane holding an o'o. An o'o is an ancient hawaiian tool used by the Mahi'ai to turn over sod/brush, dig up soil and pulverize it, and to open shallow holes for un-irragated taro. Also used to dig deep holes for bananas, and trenches for sugar cane and 'awa.
O'O
When we made an o'o we went into the forrest and first asked for permission. Then we looked for waiwi, or strawberry guava, to cut down. Soon after we beat most of the bark off, then we scrubbed any access bark off with a smooth stone in the stream. Lastly we shaped the bottom of our o'o with sandpaper.
How can we use the concepts of Kane to bring pono to our community
We can use the concepts of Kane to bring pono to our community by teaching adults and kids how to make and use an O'O. This helps because we can contribute to helping our culture thrive. We can enlighten them on the many different ways of how our kupuna/ ancestors used mana'o to take care of everyday tasks.
Pule O'o Molokai'i at the Festivals of Aloha Molokai, HI
Group Members
TY HEEN, Kanoelehua Ratledge, Allen Matsumotto