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Cook Islands master carvers at FestPAC.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Hawaiians are celebrating traditional Pacific carving practices at the 13th annual Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC).
Master carvers from around the region spent a week working side by side to carve the giant exhibit that will go on display this weekend.
Each nation was asked to carve a “Tu Hoe”, a large paddle used to steer a canoe.
Led by master carvers, small teams are creating pieces that reflect their unique culture.
Palauan sculptor Anthony Watson said learning new ways to tell stories through carving was eye-opening.
“I was inspired by seeing how each person’s culture and upbringing influenced their creations,” Watson told New Zealand’s Pacific Radio.
“What we produce with our hands depends a lot on where we come from.”
He also noted similarities between countries.
He said it reflected the close ties of Pacific culture.
A master carver from Palau at work.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Moko May of Rapa Nui agreed, saying the differences made them unique, but the similarities made them family.
“We are very happy because I see different styles, different cultures, but we are brothers, you know, we are united brothers, it is very touching, we are ‘Hanau’ (family),” he said.
The sculptors enjoyed interacting with each other, learning from each other’s designs, and exchanging ideas and techniques.
Cook Islands representative William Powell said their team had been busy carving, but they also found time to talk to other carvers.
“We’re progressing really well, it’s awesome,” Powell said.
“There are all kinds of carvings here from all over the Pacific, and the patterns are so beautiful, so pretty!”
The carved oars will go on display at the Bishop Museum this weekend.
The carvers said the gathering inspired them to be more proactive in passing on their techniques to future generations.
A master carver from the Pacific.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
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