Lava Petroglyph Carvings
Considered
sacred to the people of Hawaii, lava petroglyphs appear at 135 known
archaeological sites on six of the Hawaiian Islands. Carved into
Pahoehoe Lava, they are protected as National Treasures, and are a great
enigma of the Pacific. The most prolific and well know of these sites
are the Pu'uloa Petroglyph Field at Panau Nui on the southern flank of
the Kilauea Volcano, and the 233-acre Puako Petroglyph Archaeological
District in Waikaloa on the Kahala Coat of the Big Island.
About
80% of these are cupules, or holes, used as depositories for umbilical
cords, placed there at birth to assure long life. There are also
prolific circles and semi circles, believed to represent additional
births or family members, and possibly an indication of protection by
the Ali'i (royalty). The first Hawaiians arrived from the Marquesas
Islands as early as 750 AD, and may have brought some of the carving
designs with them. All petroglyphs are constantly being eroded by the
environment, so physical contact is prohibited to prevent an increased
rate of deterioration.
Our Petroglyph Carvings
Seeing
these treasures is a humbling experience, filing us with echoes of
drums and chants in the wind. To satisfy our desire to touch this
history, we have recreated them, with the exact look and feel of lava.
Each petroglyph is hand carved by our artist, and closely resembles
ones she has visited. Each embodies a spirit within itself.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
