KMS 8th grade Pahu

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Kīpuka
(A calm place in a high sea, deep place in a shoal, opening in a forest, openings in cloud
formations, and especially a clear place or oasis within a lava bed where there may be vegetation; a short shoulder cape.) from Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert

Completed: July, 2012
Height: 18.5”
Drum: Coconut
Diameter: 18”
Skin: Cowhide
Lashing: Nylon cord

Kīpuka has been made for the eighth grade Pūʻulu Lama at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Middle School. It was made from a coconut tree that lived next to the original Kaʻoleiokū building.

The pattern is a succession of waves which in turn creates a series of capes. The waves beckon students to come join us as we begin our lama journey together. Whether participating as heʻe nalu or hoe waʻa, each person will be valued. A second definition is a short shoulder cape, aptly befitting the ahuʻula design and contributing to
the concept of life’s duality.

It is hoped that this drum will represent the lama value of mālama as Kīpuka signifies the calm place in the midst of a high sea, forest, or lava. We will strive to make our lama learning space one of safety and well-being for all who enter.

Pu’ulu Kukui’s Pahu
Kaleoonäpuaapauahi
(The voice of the children of Pauahi.)
Screen Shot 2014-08-21 at 12.37.06 PMCompleted: July, 2012
Height: 22”
Drum: Coconut
Diameter: 12.75”
Skin: Cowhide
Lashing: Nylon cord

 Kaleoonäpuaapauahi was created for Püÿulu Kukui, an eighth grade team at Kamehameha Schools Kapälama Middle School. It was made from a coconut tree that lived next to the original Kaÿöleiokü Building.
The pattern incorporates the roots, trunk, branches and leaves of a kukui tree. The kukui symbolizes the light of wisdom that is the practical application of knowledge. Confidence stems from wisdom. The Hawaiian value associated with the kukui is na‘auao.

Kepo‘okela

Kepo‘okela
humbly striving toward excellence
Completed:  August 2012                                 Height: 19 inches
Drum:  Coconut                                                 Diameter: 15 ½   inches
Skin:  Cowhide                                                  Lashing:  Nylon Cord

Pū‘ulu Kauila challenges both haumāna and kumu to continuously strive toward excellence.  Throughout this journey, we must recognize what is outstanding or excellent, and realize we are striving for something that is far greater than us. Therefore, in our pursuit of excellence, we remain humble.

There are many meanings for the word po‘o, among them being head or summit.  Kela also has various meanings including excelling, exceeding, and reaching high above. Our pahu, Kepo‘okela, was created by former and current Kauila Kumu. The pahu represents our haumāna, and the top of the pahu is like the po‘o of the child.  The chamber of the pahu resonates its own inner voice, much like the uniqueness of our students’ voices.  The design on the base of the pahu is made up of a center portion that represents the individuality of our haumäna.  The symbolism behind the other part of the pattern is two fold.  It represents each child reaching for excellence.  It also represents kauila, which is the light of excellence.

Pū‘ulu Kauila will foster personal responsibility and perseverance.  Kepo‘okela will remind us to remain humble as we embark on our journey toward excellence.

Pū‘ulu Olopua’s Pahu is under-construction.