Learn About Hawaiian Weapons

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center, in partnership with Ka Honua Momona, is launching a new pilot program this month. The Hawaiian Arts Program kicks off its first event on Friday, Feb. 24 at Ka Honua Momona’s Hale Momona at Ali`i Fishpond with a talk story session on Native Hawaiian tools and weapons. The talk story session will go from 5:30 to 7:30pm, is open to the public and free of charge. All ages are encouraged to attend.

The event will include discussion on the history and craft of Hawaiian tools and weapons from three contemporary makers: Kanoelani Davis, a local kumu hula and Native Hawaiian arts and culture practitioner, Uncle Kini Burke, weapons maker, and a third to be announced. This talk story session precedes a practical workshop in toolmaking to take place on March 11 (time and specifics to be announced). In that workshop, students will learn to make a niho `oki, a small wood and shark tooth cutting tool.

The Hawaiian Arts Program is set to offer events on traditional and emerging Native Hawaiian arts once every month over the next year, alternating between talk story sessions and practical workshops. For questions regarding the Hawaiian Arts Program, please email the MAC at molokaiartscenter@gmail.com.