Symbolism, a conversation with Hinano Paia

Symbols are the building blocks to the foundation of all art and structure. The symbolic nature of storytelling is passed down generationally to those that would keep the stories and fashion of culture alive. Our symbols are a look into the past to extract enhanced thought forms that are not present in present societal cultural conversations. The use of the word symbol is first documented in religious literature beginning in 15c. The etymology of the word symbol is derived from the two greek words syn and ballen which mean together and throw, in that order.The idea is the word symbol translates to literally throw together/put together an idea to another idea, to attribute one thing with another, a thought to something tangible. A lot of religious literature and artwork curate heavy symbolism from the Mitre the Pope wears on his head to the different colors the Kahuna (Hawaiian priests) would wear on their ‘Ahu ‘Ula. Symbolism is everywhere in religious practices.

In this piece, I will disseminate symbolism in Indigenous and renaissance art, as well interview a Native Hawaiian crafts patrician by the name Hinano Paia on our symbols and the symbolic nature of Kanaka/Pacific Islander art. Ever since the first stories were told, we used our hands, and our words to describe feelings, events, and anything that touched our internal/external gaze. You can find the symbolism in petroglyphs carved in the rocks our ancestors left for us that have stood the test of time in its proliferation ( insert photo ). Symbols in antiquated spaces such as pre-colonial Hawai’i have been used to present prestige, genealogy, and to tell stories. In any great piece of art an artist will put symbols and hidden meanings in them, only for elite observers and participants to understand. In the famous 1486 painting by Carlo Crevelli “The Annunciation” – where the Virgin Mary is seen getting the message from the Angel Gabriel that she would bear the son of man– there is a wheel in the sky seen beaming light through a hole in the wall to the Virgin Mary as seen here.

(source).

UFO sensationalists perpetuate the notion that the Angel Gabriel depicted in the painting was actually a “wheel in the sky” that came in the form of a UFO. “Wheels in the sky” and circular disks in archaic religious paintings were actually more common than not, which were present in elite art circles shortly after the alleged death of Christ. Before the entire world knew what a UFO was, hundreds of years before that acronym was coined, painters and artists have been painting/carving flying disks in various art works and paintings around the world. Whether or not the symbolism alluded to “aliens” or just something abstract painters would obscurely put in their work, the truth of these secrets were only for the people involved. This is to paint a vast picture of symbolism in art that “wheels in the sky” is symbolic to visitations by the outer worldly in the religious folklore.

People have pondered on the symbology of the cross, whether it's meant to represent the father, the son, and the holy spirit, or if it had a deeper meaning and it meant the relationship between man and woman. Some spiritualists believe the Ankh, which is a symbol in Kemetic (Egyptian) culture, was the original symbol of the cross which is an oval attached to the top of a T to represent a womb and a male phallus (insert photo). Maybe the second coming of Christ was meant to represent the union of man and womb, as most Christians don't know that the cross actually has African origins.

That's alot of biblical lore, let's go into things a little bit more Indigenous. As someone who perpetuates and has a vested interest in art, I am also learning about the indigenous roots to Kanaka symbolism that I can live in my everyday life, so please join me on this journey as we learn, to one day pray to perpetuate.

The triangles in Hawaiian art can be represented symbolically with many similar meanings. If it's in a circle or a ring, it represents the nīho or teeth ( insert photo ). If the triangles are stacked in a pyramid form, it's meant to represent the foundation, that nobody is bigger than the program, that we all make up this family unit, one on top of another, side by side ( intert photo ). If the triangles are in a line uniform (horizontal), it's meant to represent strength and masculinity, because it is the foundational shape that provides structure to all other shapes.

In ‘ōlelo Hawai’i the evening time is ahiahi. Ahi in ‘ōlelo Hawai’i is fire, so when Hawaiians say ‘ahiahi’ they mean ‘big fire’ referring to the fiery sunsets that are ever so present in the Hawaiian evening sky. This is a testament of the symbolism of words that are present all throughout the Hawai’i language.

Today, tonight, this morning, this afternoon, wherever you may be and whatever time it may be I have a special treat for y’all. I’m pleased to welcome my esteemed interviewee, a member of Kaua līlī Lehua, a Kumu Pahu, a creator of a vast variety of Hawaiian crafts such as hulu (feather) work and weaving, a writer, a Kanaka father, Hinano Paia! Aloha Hinano it’s great to be present with you, discussing Hawaiian art and symbolism.

Who taught you about Kanaka designs?

So in Hawaiian symbology, what are the symbols that carry the most kuleana and why?

Could you explain the Kukulu for us?

What are the most common symbols in Hawaiian artwork?

What are some designs or art concepts that carry over to other Pacific Islander cultures?

Where does Kanaka draw their symbolism from?

What's the oldest artistic design you know?

What symbol and art form best represents you, what are you most comfortable with being?

What’s your favorite word, and explain the meaning behind it, it could be in ‘ōlelo Hawai’i or not.

How does what we choose to wear dictate the symbolic nature of an individual?

What do you wish for people who don’t know the meaning behind symbols to learn ?

Please explain the Kuleana that comes with symbols.

Anything up and coming? Any work you’d like to put out there or you’d like to advertise your services for ?

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE WITH VISUALS.

[mIn Review, I can attest to the notion that our sacred ways have been subjugated to the sands of time. A Lot of what was once considered kapu (sacred) has been washed away on a rough Hawaiian shorebreak, to only be a memory of those who lived it, and were there the day secret things were uttered and seen in spaces not known to you and me. As art becomes “noa” (common) in modern society, I would love to see a renaissance of truly sacred Neo Kanaka art forms and styles. Too much of what's being done in our Kanaka spaces are replicating ancient practices while not leaving room for the future generation to add their prowess into the mix. Im grateful for our elders that carried the knowledge and wisdom with them so that we may know the meaning behind symbols of old and art styles not told,but if we don't focus on the future of art and solidifying new and innovative ways to express our culture specifically, I believe all that will be left are matrix entrapped relics of recollected history. The future of art is very bright, and seeing people paving the way with new takes on ancient knowledge , to provide a futuristic piece on an antiquated symbol or concept is an answered prayer for me as I would want my children to pronounce the names of our ancestors in the style and ways prodigy would do so, to have unity through diversity has always been something I live by. Take your ancestors with you wherever you go, and make sure to rectify their names in whatever you do, but realize that the only way to truly pay back the ones that came before you is to make sure their names and spirit lives on in the future of this Great Nation. While the rest of the world propels itself into the future, to the stars, we as Kanaka must do the same.