POSTPONED ~ Atua: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples

Enlarge image

***03/09/20 UPDATE***

UH News Release link: http://manoa.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=10487 Polynesian studies conference at UH Manoa, BYU-H postponed Contact: Brent T Suyama, (808) 956-9524 Assoc Dir, UH Communications

A series of events titled Atua: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples scheduled to be held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Brigham Young University–Hawaii over the next two weeks has been postponed out of an abundance of caution due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and COVID-19. Organizers say Maori and Tahitian scholars expected to attend have decided not to travel to Hawaii for the conference. 

The events were scheduled March 17–18 at BYU-Hawaii and March 24–25 at Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at UH Manoa. The mini-symposium has been rescheduled for this fall.

Kamakakuokalani Professor Lilikala Kameeleihiwa is the current Gladys Kamakakuokalani Brandt Chair of Comparative Polynesian Studies, created this series to gather Tahitian, Maori, Tongan and Hawaiian scholars to discuss topics related to ancestral Polynesian knowledge.

“We understand that during this time of uncertainty it is prudent to be cautious in regards to travel and gatherings of people,” Kameeleihiwa said. “We look forward to gathering and sharing our knowledge with each other.”

A series of online webinars may be provided for people who were scheduled to attend the conference. Those will be announced at a later date.

******

The Gladys Kamakakuokalani Brandt Chair of Comparative Polynesian Studies Presents

ATUA: POLYNESIAN ANCESTORS, STARS AND TEMPLES: HAWAII, AOTEAROA, TAHITI AND TONGA!

By Lilikala Kame'eleihiwa

Aunty Gladys Kamakakuokalani Brandt left a legacy to the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies that proudly carries her name, to establish the Brandt Chair for Comparative Polynesian Studies. Currently, I have the great privilege of serving as the Brandt Chair and next month in March 15-25, we are inviting Tahitian, Maori, Tongan and Hawaiian scholars to discuss Atua: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples!

When we look at Ancestral Polynesian Knowledge, we find that there are many similarities, and some fascinating differences. In Hawaiian mythology, we often hear of Earth Mother Papahanaumoku/Haumea, and Sky Father Wakea/Orion. And in Aotearoa, the Maori revere Earth Mother Papatuanuku and Sky Father Rangiatea as their ancestors.

But almost everywhere else in Polynesia, including Tahiti, the Ocean Atua Kanaloa, or Tangaroa, or Taaroa, is the creator of the universe! Why is this? Why is there a difference? What elements are more important? What is it in Tonga?

And, our Ancestors in Hawaii, Tahiti, Raiatea, and the Marquesas have Zero Degree North Temples that measure the suns movement through the sky, from Winter Solstice to Spring Equinox to Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox.

These temples were the app that helped the Alii to predict weather, using 3 main stars constellations: Scorpio, Orion and Pleiades! Do all Polynesians have the same names and understandings for these important stars? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no! Want to learn more to teach your children?

Who are the Polynesian Experts who are presenting?

From Tahiti:
Heipua Bordes of Moorea, Maohi Nui Ancestral Knowledge expert;

Moohono Niva of Raiatea, Maohi Nui Temple Expert, MA from the Sorbonne; and

Hironui Bouit of Tahitinui, Maohi Nui Star Educator and co-founder of the Marama Fenua Afterschool Program.

From Aotearoa:
Dr. Rangi Matamua, of Tuhoe and Waikato University, Maori Star Expert.

From Tonga:
Dr. Tevita O. Kaili, Professor of Cultural Anthropolgy, Dean of the Faculty of Culture, Language and Performing Arts at BYUH in Laie, Tongan expert in Ancestors, Stars and Temples.

From Hawaii:
Kalei Nuuhiwa of Maui, Hawaiian Star and Temple expert, MA from Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language, UHM, Doctoral candidate at Waikato University, and her protege

Pualanikealii Lincoln Maielua, MA from Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, UHM. Both are Papahulilani Experts from the Edith Kanakaole Foundation.

Dr. Lilikala Kameeleihiwa, Senior Professor at Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, UHM, Hawaiian Ancestral Knowledge expert.

In order to cover these topics properly, we will sponsor a two night Brandt Mini-Symposium on Atua: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples, at 2 different venues, at BYUH and at UH-Manoa.

The first night will be on Ancestral Creation Stories, including Wakea Sky Father, and Atua as Elements. The second night will be on the 3 major Star Constellations that measure the Suns movement and the Temples where they are observed!

Dates and Venues:
At BYUH, at the Heber J. Grant Building (HGB 275), 55-220 Kualanui Street, Laie 96762-1293:

*TUES: 3/17/20: 5 pm pupu, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Lecture: ANCESTRAL CREATION STORIES;

*WED, 3/18/20: 5 pm pupu, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Lecture: STARS AND TEMPLES. For more info contact tevita.kaili@byuh.edu.

At UH MANOA:
Halau o Haumea, Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, 2645 Dole Street, Manoa 96822

*TUES: 3/24/20: 5 pm pupu, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Lecture: ANCESTRAL CREATION STORIES.

*WED, 3/25/20: 5 pm pupu, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Lecture: STARS AND TEMPLES. For more info contact lilikala@hawaii.edu.

Live Video Streaming will be available at Oiwi.TV from UHM! Watch for more Brandt Mini-Symposiums in April 5-11 on Polynesian Herbal Medicine, and May 9-16 for Polynesian Visual Arts. For more info contact lilikala@hawaii.edu.

Ticket Information
Free

Event Sponsor
Hawaiinuiakea, Mānoa Campus

More Information
(808) 956-0592, lilikala@hawaii.edu

Tweet