Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 11, 1 November 2004 — ʻBirthright’ a poweiiul exhibit of maoli fine arts at Bishop Museum [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻBirthright’ a poweiiul exhibit of maoli fine arts at Bishop Museum

By Manu Boyd As we celebrate the 168th anniversary of the birth of King Kalākaua this month, we remember his many contributions to the arts and culture of Hawai'i that continue to enhanee our quality of life. Kalākaua's flair for innovation coupled with his deep respect for tradition is mirrored today in one of the most powerful exhibitions of maoli (native) fine arts to-date. Gracing the Hawaiian Hall Vestibule of Ka Hale Hō'ike'ike o Kamehameha - Bishop Museum - is a stunning exhibition by a leader in Hawaiian art, Rocky Ka'iouliokahihikolo'Ehu Jensen, his son Frank, and daughter, Natalie Mahina. "Ho'oilina: Birthright" marks the approaching 30th anniversary of the elder Jensen's Hale Nauā III Society of Hawaiian Artists - an organization whose name is directly influenced by the mō'ī whose birth we celebrate on November 16.

King Kalākaua, in order to preserve and promote fast-disappearing knowledge of ancient Hawaiian arts and sciences, established Hale Nauā, a secret society of experts to keep alive maoli knowledge, wisdom, insight, values and lifeways. In a more modern context, Jensen's society continues to do just that. In a Bishop Museum exhibition that runs through November 30, the Jensen 'ohana masterfully presents their powerful, artful expressions in media including sculpture, wood and stone carving, featherwork,

photography, illustration and more. The exhibition combines three components so that, like a family, eaeh supports the other: "Nā Waihona: Sacred Vessels of Darkness and Light" by Rocky; "Nā Kaikamahine a Haumea: Daughters of Haumea" by Mahina; and "Nā

Kaua a Maui-a-Kalana: The 12 Challenges of Maui, Son of Kalana" by Frank. Infusing mana through the already powerful showing are four ki'i akua lā'au (wooden god images) of Kāne, Kū, and a

See BIRTHRIGHT on page 12

Hanana Kūikawā

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BIRTHRIGHT from page 1 1 male/female pair representing Kū and Hina, believed to have been from Pāka'alana, the storied luakini at Waipi'o. The Kāne image, discovered at Kapa'a, Kaua'i, in 1909, is draped with pieces of kapa kea (white cloth), giving the rigid image soft animation in the Kaiwi'ula breeze. Natalie Mahina Jensen's photographic art depicting women in traditional roles is moving, to say the least. Contemporary models include renowned Hawaiian cultural practitioners as well as less-known but equally stunning wāhine in a myriad of roles from an obstetrieian responsible for the birth of royal offspring, to one who prepares the dead for burial. The photographs in this feminine series

weave throughout the exhibit, eaeh handsomely framed and matted with accents of 'ohe kāpala designs depicting dancers, feather workers, doctors, artists and more. A standout among them, "He Wahine Mākaukau I Kāunu: A Woman Skilled In the Art of Love," illustrates the sophisticated Hawaiian sense of sexuality and sensuality. Mahina's expert hand in haku hulu (feather work) is showcased in two kāhili pa'a lima (hand-held royal feather standards), one of whieh is named for Manono, the warrior wife of Kekuaokalani who both gave their lives to defend their traditional religious beliefs. 1 So follow in the footsteps of the seventh sovereign of the Hawaiian Kingdom - King Kalākaua himself, who visited Bishop Museum at Kaiwi'ula when it opened its doors in 1889 - and absorb the beauty and mana of "Ho'oilina: Birthright." It is a merging of old and new that is perhaps the best-

yet exampie of maoli eontemporary fine arts. For information on admission fees and hours, eall Bishop Museum at 847351 1, or visit online at www.bishopmuseum.org. ■

Photos by Sterling Wong; composite by Miehael McDonald